Magnesium isotopic evidence for chemical disequilibrium among cumulus minerals in layered mafic intrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lie-Meng; Teng, Fang-Zhen; Song, Xie-Yan; Hu, Rui-Zhong; Yu, Song-Yue; Zhu, Dan; Kang, Jian

2018-04-01

Magnesium isotopic compositions of olivine, clinopyroxene, and ilmenite from the Baima intrusion, SW China, for the first time, are investigated to constrain the magnitude and mechanisms of Mg isotope fractionation among cumulus minerals in layered mafic intrusions and to evaluate their geological implications. Olivine and clinopyroxene have limited Mg isotope variations, with δ26Mg ranging from -0.33 to +0.05‰ and from -0.29 to -0.13‰, respectively, similar to those of mantle xenolithic peridotites. By contrast, ilmenites display extremely large Mg isotopic variation, with δ26Mg ranging from -0.50 to +1.90‰. The large inter-mineral fractionations of Mg isotopes between ilmenite and silicates may reflect both equilibrium and kinetic processes. A few ilmenites have lighter Mg isotopic compositions than coexisting silicates and contain high MgO contents without compositional zoning, indicating equilibrium fractionation. The implication is that the light Mg isotopic compositions of lunar high-Ti basalts may result from an isotopically light source enriched in cumulate ilmenites. On the other hand, most ilmenites have heavy Mg isotopic compositions, coupled with high MgO concentration and chemical zoning, which can be quantitatively modeled by kinetic Mg isotope fractionations induced by subsolidus Mg-Fe exchange between ilmenite and ferromagnesian silicates during the cooling of the Baima intrusion. The extensive occurrence of kinetic Mg isotope fractionation in ilmenites implies the possibility of widespread compositional disequilibrium among igneous minerals in magma chambers. Consequently, disequilibrium effects need to be considered in studies of basaltic magma evolution, magma chamber processes, and magmatic Fe-Ti oxide ore genesis.

The origin of Cu/Au ratios in porphyry-type ore deposits.

PubMed

Halter, Werner E; Pettke, Thomas; Heinrich, Christoph A

2002-06-07

Microanalysis of major and trace elements in sulfide and silicate melt inclusions by laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry indicates a direct link between a magmatic sulfide liquid and the composition of porphyry-type ore deposits. Copper (Cu), gold (Au), and iron (Fe) are first concentrated in a sulfide melt during magmatic evolution and then released to an ore-forming hydrothermal fluid exsolved late in the history of a magma chamber. The composition of sulfide liquids depends on the initial composition and source of the magma, but it also changes during the evolution of the magma in the crust. Magmatic sulfide melts may exert the dominant direct control on the economic metal ratios of porphyry-type ore deposits.

Processing of metal and oxygen from lunar deposits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acton, Constance F.

1992-01-01

On the moon, some whole rocks may be ores for abundant elements, such as oxygen, but beneficiation will be important if metallic elements are sought from raw lunar dirt. In the extraction process, a beneficiated metallic ore, such as an oxide, sulfide, carbonate, or silicate mineral, is converted to reduced metal. A variety of plausible processing technologies, which includes recovery of meteoritic iron, and processing of lunar ilmenite, are described in this report.

Physicochemical characteristics of aerosol particles generated during the milling of beryllium silicate ores: implications for risk assessment.

PubMed

Stefaniak, Aleksandr B; Chipera, Steve J; Day, Gregory A; Sabey, Phil; Dickerson, Robert M; Sbarra, Deborah C; Duling, Mathew G; Lawrence, Robert B; Stanton, Marcia L; Scripsick, Ronald C

2008-01-01

Inhalation of beryllium dusts generated during milling of ores and cutting of beryl-containing gemstones is associated with development of beryllium sensitization and low prevalence of chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Inhalation of beryllium aerosols generated during primary beryllium production and machining of the metal, alloys, and ceramics are associated with sensitization and high rates of CBD, despite similar airborne beryllium mass concentrations among these industries. Understanding the physicochemical properties of exposure aerosols may help to understand the differential immunopathologic mechanisms of sensitization and CBD and lead to more biologically relevant exposure standards. Properties of aerosols generated during the industrial milling of bertrandite and beryl ores were evaluated. Airborne beryllium mass concentrations among work areas ranged from 0.001 microg/m(3) (beryl ore grinding) to 2.1 microg/m(3) (beryl ore crushing). Respirable mass fractions of airborne beryllium-containing particles were < 20% in low-energy input operation areas (ore crushing, hydroxide product drumming) and > 80% in high-energy input areas (beryl melting, beryl grinding). Particle specific surface area decreased with processing from feedstock ores to drumming final product beryllium hydroxide. Among work areas, beryllium was identified in three crystalline forms: beryl, poorly crystalline beryllium oxide, and beryllium hydroxide. In comparison to aerosols generated by high-CBD risk primary production processes, aerosol particles encountered during milling had similar mass concentrations, generally lower number concentrations and surface area, and contained no identifiable highly crystalline beryllium oxide. One possible explanation for the apparent low prevalence of CBD among workers exposed to beryllium mineral dusts may be that characteristics of the exposure material do not contribute to the development of lung burdens sufficient for progression from sensitization to CBD. In comparison to high-CBD risk exposures where the chemical nature of aerosol particles may confer higher bioavailability, respirable ore dusts likely confer considerably less. While finished product beryllium hydroxide particles may confer bioavailability similar to that of high-CBD risk aerosols, physical exposure factors (i.e., large particle sizes) may limit development of alveolar lung burdens.

Gold paragenesis and chemistry at Batu Hijau, Indoneisa: implications for gold-rich porphyry copper deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, J.; Baker, T.

2004-10-01

Gold is an important by-product in many porphyry-type deposits but the distribution and chemistry of gold in such systems remains poorly understood. Here we report the results of petrographic, electron microprobe, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and flotation test studies of gold and associated copper sulfides within a paragenetic framework from the world-class Batu Hijau (914 mt @ 0.53% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au) porphyry copper gold deposit, Indonesia. Unlike many other porphyry copper gold deposits, early copper minerals (bornite digenite chalcocite) are well preserved at Batu Hijau and the chalcopyrite pyrite overprint is less developed. Hence, it provides an excellent opportunity to study the entire gold paragenesis of the porphyry system. In 105 polished thin sections, 699 native gold grains were identified. Almost all of the native gold grains occurred either within quartz veins, attached to sulfide, or as free gold along quartz or silicate grain boundaries. The native gold grains are dominantly round in shape and mostly 1 12 μm in size. The majority of gold was deposited during the formation of early ‘A’ veins and is dominantly associated with bornite rather than chalcopyrite. The petrographic and LA-ICP-MS study results indicate that in bornite-rich ores gold mostly occurs within copper sulfide grains as invisible gold (i.e., within the sulfide structure) or as native gold grains. In chalcopyrite-rich ores gold mostly occurs as native gold grains with lesser invisible gold. Petrographic observations also indicate a higher proportion of free gold (native gold not attached to any sulfide) in chalcopyrite-rich ores compared to bornite rich ores. The pattern of free gold distribution appears to correlate with the flotation test data, where the average gold recovery value from chalcopyrite-rich ores is consistently lower than bornite-rich ores. Our data suggest that porphyry copper-gold deposits with chalcopyrite-rich ores are more likely to have a higher proportion of free gold and may require different ore processing strategies.

Experimental Investigation on the Topotaxy of Sulfide and Silicate Melts in Peridotite: Implications for the Origin of PGE-depleted Cu-Ni Sulfide Deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Z.; Zhang, J.; Jin, Z.

2016-12-01

Cu-Ni sulfide deposit is generally considered partial melt originated from the mantle which is usually PGE-enriched. However, the largest Cu-Ni sulfide deposits of China (the Jinchuan Cu-Ni deposit) is PGE-depleted. Comparing to silicate melt, the nature and topotaxy of sulfide melt have remained poorly understood. Here we report experimental investigation on the topotaxy of sulfide and silicate melts in peridotite using a piston-cylinder press and a 5GPa Griggs-type deformation apparatus. The starting material consists of polycrystalline olivine or pyrolite and 1 wt% Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide. Hydrostatic and deformation experiments were conducted at a pressure of 1.5 GPa and a temperature of 1250°. Under hydrostatic conditions, our results reveal that the apparent dihedral angle of sulfide melt in an olivine matrix( 96°) is much larger than that of silicate + sulfide melt in pyrolite(<60°) under hydrostatic conditions. The sulfide melt pockets appear mostly as blobs in triple junctions with an immiscible Ni-poor center surrounded by a Ni-rich layer. Under deformation conditions, olivine develops pronounced fabrics with the pole of the (010) forming high concentrations approximately normal to the foliation plane and the [100] axes forming a girdle in the foliation plane. EBSD phase mapping analyses reveal strong shape preferred orientations (SPO) of sulfide +silicate melt in the 45, 90, 135 degree directions for deformation experiments indicating complete wetting of grain boundaries and forming a favorable source for ore deposits. Deformation also causes mixing of the Ni-rich and the Ni-poor sulfide melts. As the platinum-group elements(PGE) prefer to concentrate in the Ni-rich sulfide melt at high temperatures, our results suggest that the metallogenetic source of the PGE-depleted Cu-Ni deposits may have formed under relatively intense deformation and low temperatures with a small fraction of mixed sulfide and silicate melts.

Geophysical ore guides along the Colorado mineral belt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Case, James E.

1967-01-01

A 40-50-mgal gravity low trends northeast along the Colorado mineral belt between Monarch Pass and Breckenridge, Colorado. The low is probably caused by a silicic Tertiary batholith of lower density than adjacent Precambrian crystalline rocks. Many major mining districts associated with silicic Tertiary intrusives are near the axis of the low. Positive and negative aeromagnetic anomalies are present over the larger silicic Tertiary intrusive bodies. A good correlation exists between the magnetic lows and zones of altered, mineralized porphyry. Apparently, original magnetite in the silicic porphyries has been altered to relatively nonmagnetic pyrite or iron oxides. The regional gravity low aids in defining the limits of the mineral belt, and the magnetic lows over the porphyries indicate specific alteration zones and the possibility of associated mineral deposits.

Temporal Evolution of Volcanic and Plutonic Magmas Related to Porphyry Copper Ores Based on Zircon Geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dilles, J. H.; Lee, R. G.; Wooden, J. L.; Koleszar, A. M.

2015-12-01

Porphyry Cu (Mo-Au) and epithermal Au-Ag ores are globally associated with shallow hydrous, strongly oxidized, and sulfur-rich arc intrusions. In many localities, long-lived magmatism includes evolution from early andesitic volcanic (v) and plutonic (p) rocks to later dacitic or rhyolitic compositions dominated by plutons. We compare zircon compositions from three igneous suites with different time spans: Yerington, USA (1 m.y., p>v), El Salvador, Chile (4 m.y., p>v), and Yanacocha, Peru (6 m.y., v>p). At Yerington granite dikes and ores formed in one event, at ES in 2 to 3 events spanning 3 m.y., and at Yanacocha in 6 events spanning 5 m.y. At both ES and Yanacocha, high-Al amphiboles likely crystallized at high temperature in the mid-crust and attest to deep magmas that periodically recharged the shallow chambers. At Yanacocha, these amphiboles contain anhydrite inclusions that require magmas were sulfur-rich and strongly oxidized (~NNO+2). The Ti-in-zircon geothermometer provides estimates of 920º to 620º C for zircon crystallization, and records both core to rim cooling and locally high temperature rim overgrowths. Ore-related silicic porphyries yield near-solidus crystallization temperatures of 750-650°C consistent with low zircon saturation temperatures. The latter zircons have large positive Ce/Ce* and small negative Eu/Eu*≥0.4 anomalies attesting to strongly oxidized conditions (Ballard et al., 2001), which we propose result from crystallization and SO2 loss to the magmatic-hydrothermal ore fluid (Dilles et al., 2015). The Hf, REE, Y, U, and Th contents of zircons are diverse in the magma suites, and Th/U vs Yb/Gd plots suggest a dominant role of crystal fractionation with lesser roles for both crustal contamination and mixing with high temperature deep-sourced mafic magma. Ce/Sm vs Yb/Gd plots suggest that magma REE contents at <900°C are dominated by early crystallization of hornblende and apatite, and late crystallization (~<780°C) of titanite. Magma mixing and crustal contamination are most evident in pre-ore magmas, whereas ore-forming intrusions at low temperatures are dominated by crystal fractionation. Thus, zircon provides evidence for cyclic crystallization and mafic recharge that enrich late silicic melts in incompatible ore components water, sulfur, chlorine and metals.

Lunar oxygen and metal for use in near-Earth space: Magma electrolysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, Russell O.; Haskin, Larry A.

1990-01-01

Because it is energetically easier to get material from the Moon to Earth orbit than from the Earth itself, the Moon is a potentially valuable source of materials for use in space. The unique conditions on the Moon, such as vacuum, absence of many reagents common on the Earth, and the presence of very nontraditional ores suggest that a unique and nontraditional process for extracting materials from the ores may prove the most practical. With this in mind, an investigation of unfluxed silicate electrolysis as a method for extracting oxygen, iron, and silicon from lunar regolith was initiated and is discussed. The advantages of the process include simplicity of concept, absence of need to supply reagents from Earth, and low power and mass requirements for the processing plant. Disadvantages include the need for uninterrupted high temperature and the highly corrosive nature of the high-temperature silicate melts which has made identifying suitable electrode and container materials difficult.

Experimental Partitioning of Chalcophile Elements between Mantle Silicate Minerals and Basaltic Melt at High Pressures and Temperatures - Implications for Sulfur Geochemistry of Mantle and Crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, R.; Jego, S.; Ding, S.; Li, Y.; Lee, C. T.

2015-12-01

The behavior of chalcophile elements during mantle melting, melt extraction, and basalt differentiation is critical for formation of ore deposits and geochemical model and evolution of crust-mantle system. While chalcophile elements are strongly partitioned into sulfides, their behavior with different extent of melting, in particular, in the absence of sulfides, can only be modeled with complete knowledge of the partitioning behavior of these elements between dominant mantle minerals and basaltic melt with or without dissolved sulfide (S2-). However, experimental data on mineral-melt partitioning are lacking for many chalcophile elements. Crystallization experiments were conducted at 3 GPa and 1450-1600 °C using a piston cylinder and synthetic silicate melt compositions similar to low-degree partial melt of peridotite. Starting silicate mixes doped with 100-300 ppm of each of various chalcophile elements were loaded into Pt/graphite double capsules. To test the effect of dissolved sulfur in silicate melt on mineral-melt partitioning of chalcophile elements, experiments were conducted on both sulfur-free and sulfur-bearing (1100-1400 ppm S in melt) systems. Experimental phases were analyzed by EPMA (for major elements and S) and LA-ICP-MS (for trace elements). All experiments produced an assemblage of cpx + melt ± garnet ± olivine ± spinel and yielded new partition coefficients (D) for Sn, Zn, Mo, Sb, Bi, Pb, and Se for cpx/melt, olivine/melt, and garnet/melt pairs. Derived Ds (mineral/basalt) reveal little effect of S2- in the melt on mineral-melt partition coefficients of the measured chalcophile elements, with Ds for Zn, Mo, Bi, Pb decreasing by less than a factor of 2 from S-free to S-bearing melt systems or remaining similar, within error, between S-free and S-bearing melt systems. By combining our data with existing partitioning data between sulfide phases and silicate melt we model the fractionation of these elements during mantle melting and basalt crystallization. The model results are compared with the chalcophile element abundance in oceanic basalts. We will discuss the implications of our new partitioning data and model results on sulfur and chalcophile element geochemistry of mantle source regions of ocean floor basalts and the fate of sulfides during mantle melting.

Melt inclusions in veins: linking magmas and porphyry Cu deposits.

PubMed

Harris, Anthony C; Kamenetsky, Vadim S; White, Noel C; van Achterbergh, Esmé; Ryan, Chris G

2003-12-19

At a porphyry copper-gold deposit in Bajo de la Alumbrera, Argentina, silicate-melt inclusions coexist with hypersaline liquid- and vapor-rich inclusions in the earliest magmatic-hydrothermal quartz veins. Copper concentrations of the hypersaline liquid and vapor inclusions reached maxima of 10.0 weight % (wt %) and 4.5 wt %, respectively. These unusually copper-rich inclusions are considered to be the most primitive ore fluid found thus far. Their preservation with coexisting melt allows for the direct quantification of important oreforming processes, including determination of bulk partition coefficients of metals from magma into ore-forming magmatic volatile phases.

Processes of high-T fluid-rock interaction during gold mineralization in carbonate-bearing metasediments: the Navachab gold deposit, Namibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dziggel, A.; Wulff, K.; Kolb, J.; Meyer, F. M.

2009-08-01

The Navachab gold deposit in the Damara belt of central Namibia is hosted by a near-vertical sequence of amphibolite facies shelf-type metasediments, including marble, calc-silicate rock, and biotite schist. Petrologic and geochemical data were collected in the ore, alteration halos, and the wall rock to evaluate transport of elements and interaction between the wall rock and the mineralizing fluid. The semi-massive sulfide lenses and quartz-sulfide veins are characterized by a complex polymetallic ore assemblage, comprising pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite, native bismuth, gold, bismuthinite, and bismuth tellurides. Mass balance calculations indicate the addition of up to several orders of magnitude of Au, Bi, As, Ag, and Cu. The mineralized zones also record up to eightfold higher Mn and Fe concentrations. The semi-massive sulfide lenses are situated in the banded calc-silicate rock. Petrologic and textural data indicate that they represent hydraulic breccias that contain up to 50 vol.% ore minerals, and that are dominated by a high-temperature (T) alteration assemblage of garnet-clinopyroxene-K-feldspar-quartz. The quartz-sulfide veins crosscut all lithological units. Their thickness and mineralogy is strongly controlled by the composition and rheological behavior of the wall rocks. In the biotite schist and calc-silicate rock, they are up to several decimeters thick and quartz-rich, whereas in the marble, the same veins are only a few millimeters thick and dominated by sulfides. The associated alteration halos comprise (1) an actinolite-quartz alteration in the biotite schist, (2) a garnet-clinopyroxene-K-feldspar-quartz alteration in the marble and calc-silicate rock, and (3) a garnet-biotite alteration that is recorded in all rock types except the marble. The hydrothermal overprint was associated with large-scale carbonate dissolution and a dramatic increase in CO2 in the ore fluid. Decarbonation of wall rocks, as well as a low REE content of the ore fluid resulted in the mobilization of the REE, and the decoupling of the LREE from the HREE. The alteration halos not only parallel the mineralized zones, but may also follow up single layers away from the mineralization. Alteration is far more pronounced facing upward, indicating that the rocks were steep when veining occurred. The petrologic and geochemical data indicate that the actinolite-quartz- and garnet-clinopyroxene-K-feldspar-quartz alterations formed in equilibrium with a fluid (super-) saturated in Si, and were mainly controlled by the composition of the wall rocks. In contrast, the garnet-biotite alteration formed by interaction with a fluid undersaturated in Si, and was mainly controlled by the fluid composition. This points to major differences in fluid-rock ratios and changes in fluid composition during alteration. The alteration systematics and geometry of the hydrothermal vein system are consistent with cyclic fluctuations in fluid pressure during fault valve action.

Experimental study of the electrolysis of silicate melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, R.; Larimer, K. T.

1991-01-01

To produce oxygen from lunar resources, it may be feasible to melt and electrolyze local silicate ores. This possibility was explored experimentally with synthesized melts of appropriate compositions. Platinum electrodes were employed at a melt temperature of 1425 C. When silicon components of the melt were reduced, the platinum cathode degraded rapidly, which prompted the substitution of a graphite cathode substrate. Discrete particles containing iron or titanium were found in the solidified electrolyte after three hours of electrolysis. Electrolyte conductivities did not decrease substantially, but the escape of gas bubbles, in some cases, appeared to be hindered by high viscosity of the melt.

Mineralogical and geochemical features of the alteration processes of magmatic ores in the Beni Bousera ultramafic massif (north Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajjar, Zaineb; Gervilla, Fernando; Essaifi, Abderrahim; Wafik, Amina

2017-08-01

The Beni Bousera ultramafic massif (Internal Rif, Morocco) is characterized by the presence of two types of small-scale magmatic mineralizations (i) a mineralization consisting mainly of chromite and Ni arsenides associated to orthopyroxene and cordierite (Cr-Ni ores), and (ii) a mineralization mainly composed of magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu sulfides containing variable amounts of graphite and chromite associated to phlogopite, clinopyroxène and plagioclase (S-G ores). Theses ores underwent High-T (450-550 °C) and Low-T (150-300 °C) alteration processes. The High-T alteration processes are tentatively related to intrusion of leucogranite dykes. They are preserved in the Galaros Cr-Ni ore deposit where nickeline is partly dissolved and transformed to maucherite, and orthopyroxene alters to phlogopite. Ni and Co were mobilized to the fluid phase, rising up their availability and promoting their diffusion into chromite and phlogopite, which have significantly higher contents in Ni and Co in phlogopite-rich ores than in orthopyroxene- and nickeline-rich ones. The Low-T alteration processes are related to serpentinization/weathering spatially associated with a regional shear zone. They affected both the Cr-Ni and S-G ores. In the Cr-Ni ores, Ni-arsenides were completely leached out while chromite is fractured within a matrix of chlorite, vermiculite and Ni-rich serpentine. In S-G ores, the silicates were altered into amphibole, Fe-rich chlorite and pectolite in clinopyroxene- and plagioclase-bearing ores while sulfides were completely leached out in phlogopite-bearing ores where iron oxides and hydroxides, and Fe-rich vermiculite were deposited. Chromite composition is not affected by the Low-T alteration processes.

Evaluation of the Performance of O-rings Made with Different Elastomeric Polymers in Simulated Geothermal Environments at 300°C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sugama, Toshifumi; Pyatina, Tatiana; Redline, Erica Marie

2014-12-01

This paper aims to evaluate the survival of O-rings made with six different elastomeric polymers, EPDM, type I- and II-FKM, FEPM, FFKM, and FSR, in five different simulated geothermal environments at 300°C. It further defines the relative strengths and weaknesses of the materials in each environment. The environments tested were: 1) non-aerated steam-cooling cycles, 2) aerated steam-cooling cycles, 3) water-based drilling fluid, 4) CO2-rich geo-brine fluid, and, 5) heat-cool water quenching cycles. Following exposure, the extent of oxidation, oxidationinduced degradation, thermal behaviors, micro-defects, permeation depths of ionic species present in environments throughout the O-ring, silicate-related scale-deposition, and changes in mechanicalmore » properties were assessed.« less

Extraction of copper from an oxidized (lateritic) ore using bacterially catalysed reductive dissolution.

PubMed

Nancucheo, Ivan; Grail, Barry M; Hilario, Felipe; du Plessis, Chris; Johnson, D Barrie

2014-01-01

An oxidized lateritic ore which contained 0.8 % (by weight) copper was bioleached in pH- and temperature-controlled stirred reactors under acidic reducing conditions using pure and mixed cultures of the acidophilic chemolithotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Sulfur was provided as the electron donor for the bacteria, and ferric iron present in goethite (the major ferric iron mineral present in the ore) acted as electron acceptor. Significantly more copper was leached by bacterially catalysed reductive dissolution of the laterite than in aerobic cultures or in sterile anoxic reactors, with up to 78 % of the copper present in the ore being extracted. This included copper that was leached from acid-labile minerals (chiefly copper silicates) and that which was associated with ferric iron minerals in the lateritic ore. In the anaerobic bioreactors, soluble iron in the leach liquors was present as iron (II) and copper as copper (I), but both metals were rapidly oxidized (to iron (III) and copper (II)) when the reactors were aerated. The number of bacteria added to the reactors had a critical role in dictating the rate and yield of copper solubilised from the ore. This work has provided further evidence that reductive bioprocessing, a recently described approach for extracting base metals from oxidized deposits, has the potential to greatly extend the range of metal ores that can be biomined.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

WANG,YIFENG; XU,HUIFANG

Correctly identifying the possible alteration products and accurately predicting their occurrence in a repository-relevant environment are the key for the source-term calculation in a repository performance assessment. Uraninite in uranium deposits has long been used as a natural analog to spent fuel in a repository because of their chemical and structural similarity. In this paper, a SEM/AEM investigation has been conducted on a partially alternated uraninite sample from a uranium ore deposit of Shinkolobwe of Congo. The mineral formation sequences were identified: uraninite {yields} uranyl hydrates {yields} uranyl silicates {yields} Ca-uranyl silicates or uraninite {yields} uranyl silicates {yields} Ca-uranyl silicates.more » Reaction-path calculations were conducted for the oxidative dissolution of spent fuel in a representative Yucca Mountain groundwater. The predicted sequence is in general consistent with the SEM observations. The calculations also show that uranium carbonate minerals are unlikely to become major solubility-controlling mineral phases in a Yucca Mountain environment. Some discrepancies between model predictions and field observations are observed. Those discrepancies may result from poorly constrained thermodynamic data for uranyl silicate minerals.« less

Manganese and ferromanganese ores from different tectonic settings in the NW Himalayas, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahir Shah, Mohammad; Moon, Charles J.

2007-02-01

In Pakistan manganese and ferromanganese ores have been reported from the Hazara area of North West Frontier Province, Waziristan agencies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Lasbela-Khuzdar regions of Baluchistan. This study is focused on comparison of mineralogy and geochemistry of the continental ferromanganese ores of Hazara and the ophiolitic manganese ores of the Waziristan area of Pakistan. In the Hazara area, ferromanganese ores occur at Kakul, Galdanian and Chura Gali, near Abbottabad, within the Hazira Formation of the Kalachitta-Margala thrust belt of the NW Himalayas of the Indo-Pakistan Plate. The Cambrian Hazira Formation is composed of reddish-brown ferruginous siltstone, with variable amounts of clay, shale, ferromanganese ores, phosphorite and barite. In Waziristan, manganese ores occur at Shuidar, Mohammad Khel and Saidgi, within the Waziristan ophiolite complex, on the western margin of the Indo-Pakistan Plate in NW Pakistan. These banded and massive ores are hosted by metachert and overlie metavolcanics. The ferromanganese ores of the Hazara area contain variable amount of bixbyite, partridgeite, hollandite, pyrolusite and braunite. Bixbyite and partridgeite are the dominant Mn-bearing phases. Hematite dominates in Fe-rich ores. Gangue minerals are iron-rich clay, alumino-phosphate minerals, apatite, barite and glauconite are present in variable amounts, in both Fe-rich and Mn-rich varieties. The texture of the ore phases indicates greenschist facies metamorphism. The Waziristan ores are composed of braunite, with minor pyrolusite and hollandite. Hematite occurs as an additional minor phase in the Fe-rich ores of the Shuidar area. The only silicate phase in these ores is cryptocrystalline quartz. The chemical composition of the ferromanganese ores in Hazara suggests that the Mn-Fe was contributed by both hydrogenous and hydrothermal sources, while the manganese ores of Waziristan originated only from a hydrothermal source. It is suggested that the Fe-Mn ores of the Hazara area originated from a mixed hydrothermal-hydrogenetic source in shallow water in a ontinental shelf environment due to the transgression and regression of the sea, while the Mn ores of Waziristan were formed at sea-floor spreading centers within the Neo-Tethys Ocean, and were later obducted as part of the Waziristan ophiolite complex.

Applied research of shaking table for scandium concentration from a silicate ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, P.; Zhang, G. F.; Gao, L.; Shi, B. H.; Shi, Z.; Yang, Y. D.

2018-03-01

A poor magnetite iron ore is a super large independent scandium deposit with over the multi-billion potential utilizable value. Shaking table separation is very useful for impurities removing and scandium content increasing as a follow-up step of high-intensity magnetic separation. In the present study, a satisfactory index, namely scandium content of 83.10 g/t and recovery rate of 79.45 wt%, was obtained by shaking table separation. The good result was achieved under the conditions which the parameters were feed concentrate of 18 wt%, feeding quantity of 11 L/min, stroke frequency of 275 times/min and stroke of 17mm.

Evolution of ore deposits on terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, R. G.

Ore deposits on terrestrial planets materialized after core formation, mantle evolution, crustal development, interactions of surface rocks with the hydrosphere and atmosphere, and, where life exists on a planet, the involvement of biological activity. Core formation removed most of the siderophilic and chalcophilic elements, leaving mantles depleted in many of the strategic and noble metals relative to their chondritic abundances. Basaltic magma derived from partial melting of the mantle transported to the surface several metals contained in immiscible silicate and sulfide melts. Magmatic ore deposits were formed during cooling, fractional crystallization and density stratification from the basaltic melts. Such ore deposits found in earth's Archean rocks were probably generated during early histories of all terrestrial planets and may be the only types of igneous ores on Mars. Where plate tectonic activity was prevalent on a terrestrial planet, temporal evolution of ore deposits took place. Repetitive episodes of subduction modified the chemical compositions of the crust and upper mantles, leading to porphyry copper and molybdenum ores in calc-alkaline igneous rocks and granite-hosted tin and tungsten deposits. Such plate tectonic-induced mineralization in relatively young igneous rocks on earth may also have produced hydrothermal ore deposits on Venus in addition to the massive sulfide and cumulate chromite ores associated with Venusian mafic igneous rock. Sedimentary ore deposits resulting from mechanical and chemical weathering in reducing atmospheres in Archean earth included placer deposits (e.g., uraninite, gold, pyrite ores). Chromite, ilmenite, and other dense unreactive minerals could also be present on channel floors and in valley networks on Mars, while banded iron formations might underlie the Martian northern plains regions. As oxygen evolved in earth's atmosphere, so too did oxide ores. By analogy, gossans above sulfide ores probably occur on Mars, but not submarine ferromanganese nodules and crusts which have precipitated in oxygenated seawater on earth.

Evolution of ore deposits on terrestrial planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, R. G.

1991-01-01

Ore deposits on terrestrial planets materialized after core formation, mantle evolution, crustal development, interactions of surface rocks with the hydrosphere and atmosphere, and, where life exists on a planet, the involvement of biological activity. Core formation removed most of the siderophilic and chalcophilic elements, leaving mantles depleted in many of the strategic and noble metals relative to their chondritic abundances. Basaltic magma derived from partial melting of the mantle transported to the surface several metals contained in immiscible silicate and sulfide melts. Magmatic ore deposits were formed during cooling, fractional crystallization and density stratification from the basaltic melts. Such ore deposits found in earth's Archean rocks were probably generated during early histories of all terrestrial planets and may be the only types of igneous ores on Mars. Where plate tectonic activity was prevalent on a terrestrial planet, temporal evolution of ore deposits took place. Repetitive episodes of subduction modified the chemical compositions of the crust and upper mantles, leading to porphyry copper and molybdenum ores in calc-alkaline igneous rocks and granite-hosted tin and tungsten deposits. Such plate tectonic-induced mineralization in relatively young igneous rocks on earth may also have produced hydrothermal ore deposits on Venus in addition to the massive sulfide and cumulate chromite ores associated with Venusian mafic igneous rock. Sedimentary ore deposits resulting from mechanical and chemical weathering in reducing atmospheres in Archean earth included placer deposits (e.g., uraninite, gold, pyrite ores). Chromite, ilmenite, and other dense unreactive minerals could also be present on channel floors and in valley networks on Mars, while banded iron formations might underlie the Martian northern plains regions. As oxygen evolved in earth's atmosphere, so too did oxide ores. By analogy, gossans above sulfide ores probably occur on Mars, but not submarine ferromanganese nodules and crusts which have precipitated in oxygenated seawater on earth.

Metamorphism, graphite crystallinity, and sulfide anatexis of the Rampura-Agucha massive sulfide deposit, northwestern India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Biswajit; Bernhardt, Heinz-Jurgen

2009-02-01

Located adjacent to the Banded Gneissic Complex, Rampura-Agucha is the only sulfide ore deposit discovered to date within the Precambrian basement gneisses of Rajasthan. The massive Zn-(Pb) sulfide orebody occurs within graphite-biotite-sillimanite schist along with garnet-biotite-sillimanite gneiss, calc-silicate gneisses, amphibolites, and garnet-bearing leucosomes. Plagioclase-hornblende thermometry in amphibolites yielded a peak metamorphic temperature of 720-780°C, whereas temperatures obtained from Fe-Mg exchange between garnet and biotite (580-610°C) in the pelites correspond to postpeak resetting. Thermodynamic considerations of pertinent silicate equilibria, coupled with sphalerite geobarometry, furnished part of a clockwise P- T- t path with peak P- T of ˜6.2 kbar and 780°C, attained during granulite grade metamorphism of the major Zn-rich stratiform sedimentary exhalative deposits orebody and its host rocks. Arsenopyrite composition in the metamorphosed ore yielded a temperature [and log f( S 2)] range of 352°C (-8.2) to 490°C (-4.64), thus indicating its retrograde nature. Contrary to earlier research on the retrogressed nature of graphite, Raman spectroscopic studies on graphite in the metamorphosed ore reveal variable degree of preservation of prograde graphite crystals (490 ± 43°C with a maximum at 593°C). The main orebody is mineralogically simple (sphalerite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, galena), deformed and metamorphosed while the Pb-Ag-rich sulfosalt-bearing veins and pods that are irregularly distributed within the hanging wall calc-silicate gneisses show no evidence of deformation and metamorphism. The sulfosalt minerals identified include freibergite, boulangerite, pyrargyrite, stephanite, diaphorite, Mn-jamesonite, Cu-free meneghinite, and semseyite; the last three are reported from Agucha for the first time. Stability relations of Cu-free meneghinite and semseyite in the Pb-Ag-rich ores constrain temperatures at >550°C and <300°C, respectively. Features such as (1) low galena-sphalerite interfacial angles, (2) presence of multiphase sulfide-sulfosalt inclusions, (3) microcracks filled with galena (±pyrargyrite) without any hydrothermal alteration, and (4) high contents of Zn, Ag (and Sb) in galena, indicate partial melting in the PbS-Fe0.96S-ZnS-(1% Ag2S ± CuFeS2) system, which was critical for metamorphic remobilization of the Rampura-Agucha deposit.

A study of the trace sulfide mineral assemblages in the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aird, Hannah M.; Ferguson, Katherine M.; Lehrer, Malia L.; Boudreau, Alan E.

2017-03-01

The sulfide assemblages of the Stillwater Complex away from the well-studied ore zones are composed mainly of variable proportions of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, and ±pyrite. Excluding vein assemblages and those affected by greenschist and lower temperature alteration, the majority can be classified into two broad assemblages, defined here as pristine (multiphase, often globular in shape) or volatile-bearing (multiphase, high-temperature, volatile-rich minerals such as biotite, hornblende, or an unmixed calcite-dolomite assemblage). The volatile-bearing assemblages are mainly found within and below the J-M reef, where native copper and sphalerite are also locally present. Pristine sulfides are found throughout the stratigraphy. Both groups can be affected by apparent S loss in the form of pyrite being converted to magnetite and chalcopyrite to a Cu-Fe-oxide (delafossite), with little to no silicate alteration. An upward trend from pentlandite-rich to pyrrhotite-rich to pyrite-rich assemblages is observed in the footwall rocks in upper GN-I, and the same trend repeats from just below the reef and continues into the overlying N-II and GN-II. Modeling suggests that the sulfide Ni in the Peridotite Zone is largely controlled by silicate Ni. When taken together, observations are most readily explained by the remobilization of selected elements by a high-temperature fluid with the apparent loss of S > Cu > Ni. This could concentrate ore metals by vapor refining, eventually producing a platinum group element-enriched sulfide ore zone, such as the J-M reef.

Development of a Chemical Process for Production of Cesium Chloride from a Canadian Pollucite Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parsons, H. W.; Vezina, J. A.; Simard, R.

1963-01-01

A chemical process was developed for the production of a high-purity cesium chioride from a pollucite (cesium aluminum silicate) ore from the Manitoba deposit of Chemalloy Minerais Ltd. The history of the deposit, and the present and possible future uses of cesium are briefly reviewed. Laboratory and piiot plant investigations on this ore have shown that a cyclic sulphuric acid leach followed by fractional crystallization will produce a rubidiumfree cesium alum, which can be converted to cesium chloride by thermal decomposition and ion exchange. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that the process is applicable to themore » tonnage production of cesium chloride. Reagent consumption was found to be 3.3 sulphuric acid and 0.3 lb hydrochloric acid per pound of cesium extracted. Overall extraction of cesium was 95 to 96%. (auth)« less

Komatiites and nickel sulfide ores of the Black Swan area, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. 4. Platinum group element distribution in the ores, and genetic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Stephen J.

2004-11-01

The Black Swan komatiite sequence, in the Eastern Goldfields province of the Archaean Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia, is a body of dominantly olivine-rich cumulates with lesser volumes of spinifex textured rocks, interpreted as a section through an extensive komatiite lava flow field. The sequence hosts a number of nickel sulfide orebodies, including the Silver Swan massive shoot and the Cygnet and Black Swan disseminated orebodies. The massive sulfide orebodies of the Black Swan Succession are pervasively depleted in all platinum group elements (PGEs), particularly Pt and Pd, despite very high Ni contents. This depletion cannot be explained by R-factor variations, which would also require relatively low Ni tenors. The PGE depletion could be explained in part if the ores are enriched in a monosulfide solid solution (MSS) cumulate component, but requires some additional fractional segregation of sulfide melt upstream from the site of deposition. The Silver Swan orebody shows a remarkably consistent vertical zonation in PGE contents, particularly in Ir, Ru, Rh, Os, which increase systematically from very low levels at the stratigraphic base of the sulfide body to maxima corresponding roughly with the top of a lower layer of the orebody rich in silicate inclusions. Platinum shows the opposite trend, but is somewhat modified by remobilisation during talc carbonate alteration. A similar pattern is also observed in the adjacent White Swan orebody. This zonation is interpreted and modelled as the result of fractional crystallisation of MSS from the molten sulfide pool. The strong IPGE depletion towards the base of the orebody may be a consequence of sulfide liquid crystallisation in an inverted thermal gradient, between a thin rapidly cooling upper rind of komatiite lava and a hot substrate.

Biomining: metal recovery from ores with microorganisms.

PubMed

Schippers, Axel; Hedrich, Sabrina; Vasters, Jürgen; Drobe, Malte; Sand, Wolfgang; Willscher, Sabine

2014-01-01

Biomining is an increasingly applied biotechnological procedure for processing of ores in the mining industry (biohydrometallurgy). Nowadays the production of copper from low-grade ores is the most important industrial application and a significant part of world copper production already originates from heap or dump/stockpile bioleaching. Conceptual differences exist between the industrial processes of bioleaching and biooxidation. Bioleaching is a conversion of an insoluble valuable metal into a soluble form by means of microorganisms. In biooxidation, on the other hand, gold is predominantly unlocked from refractory ores in large-scale stirred-tank biooxidation arrangements for further processing steps. In addition to copper and gold production, biomining is also used to produce cobalt, nickel, zinc, and uranium. Up to now, biomining has merely been used as a procedure in the processing of sulfide ores and uranium ore, but laboratory and pilot procedures already exist for the processing of silicate and oxide ores (e.g., laterites), for leaching of processing residues or mine waste dumps (mine tailings), as well as for the extraction of metals from industrial residues and waste (recycling). This chapter estimates the world production of copper, gold, and other metals by means of biomining and chemical leaching (bio-/hydrometallurgy) compared with metal production by pyrometallurgical procedures, and describes new developments in biomining. In addition, an overview is given about metal sulfide oxidizing microorganisms, fundamentals of biomining including bioleaching mechanisms and interface processes, as well as anaerobic bioleaching and bioleaching with heterotrophic microorganisms.

The distribution and composition characteristics of siliceous rocks from Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt, South China: constraint on the tectonic evolution of plates in South China.

PubMed

Li, Hongzhong; Zhai, Mingguo; Zhang, Lianchang; Zhou, Yongzhang; Yang, Zhijun; He, Junguo; Liang, Jin; Zhou, Liuyu

2013-01-01

The Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt is a significant tectonic zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates, where plentiful hydrothermal siliceous rocks are generated. Here, the authors studied the distribution of the siliceous rocks in the whole tectonic zone, which indicated that the tensional setting was facilitating the development of siliceous rocks of hydrothermal genesis. According to the geochemical characteristics, the Neopalaeozoic siliceous rocks in the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt denoted its limited width. In comparison, the Neopalaeozoic Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt was diverse for its ocean basin in the different segments and possibly had subduction only in the south segment. The ocean basin of the north and middle segments was limited in its width without subduction and possibly existed as a rift trough that was unable to resist the terrigenous input. In the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt, the strata of hydrothermal siliceous rocks in Dongxiang copper-polymetallic ore deposit exhibited alternative cycles with the marine volcanic rocks, volcanic tuff, and metal sulphide. These sedimentary systems were formed in different circumstances, whose alternative cycles indicated the release of internal energy in several cycles gradually from strong to weak.

Ore genesis dating: implication of Sm-Nd method using sulfide minerals for mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions of Fennoscandian Shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serov, Pavel; Bayanova, Tamara; Steshenko, Ekaterina; Ekimova, Nadezhda

2015-04-01

The main method of dating the ore process was the Re-Os method of sulfides (Luck, Allegre, 1983; Walker et. al., 1991). However, studies of Re-Os systematics of sulfide minerals do not always give the correct ages and showing the disturbances of the Re-Os systematics. At the same time, Sm-Nd age of sulfides in good agreement with the U-Pb dating on zircon and baddeleyite and suggests that the Sm-Nd system of sulfides is more resistant to secondary alteration processes. Our studies have shown that along with rock-forming, ore minerals (sulfides) can be used to determine the ore genesis time of industrially important geological sites, since exactly with the sulfides the industry Pt-Pd mineralization is closely connected. In to Sm-Nd measurements steadily introduce new minerals-geochronometers (i.e. titanite, burbancite, eudialite etc.). Of these, sulfides of PGE-bearing layered intrusions are quite important in terms of dating the process of ore origin. Studying the REE distribution in the sulfides of MOR hydrothermal sources has shown possible REE presence in the sulfide lattice (Rimskaya-Korsakova et. al., 2003). These are difficult to carry out because the concentrations of Sm and Nd isotopes in sulfides are much lower than those in chondrites (Rimskaya-Korsakova et. al., 2003). In (Kong et. al., 2000) sulfides from two metamorphosed chondrites were studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and ion probe. As shown, the level of REE in the sulfide phase determined by the ion probe is quite similar to that obtained by INAA. Although the concentrations of REE in the enstatite and the Fe, Si, Cr-rich inclusions are comparable to those in sulfide, estimates based on mass balance calculations show that the silicate inclusions would not noticeably contribute to the REE budget in sulfides (Kong et. al., 2000). For the first time in Russian geochemistry laboratories using sulfide and rock-forming minerals and WR in Sm-Nd method have been dated impregnated and brecciform ores of the following objects - Pilguyarvi Cu-Ni deposits, Pechenga (1965±87 Ma); impregnated (2433±83 Ma) and redeposited (1903±24 Ma) ores of Ahmavaara intrusion (Finland); Kolvitsa massif metagabbro (1990±92 Ma, which reflect the age of Sm-Nd system closure in sulfide minerals); olivine orthopyroxenites of Sopcha 'Ore bed' (2442±59 Ma); ore gabbronorites of Penikat PGE-bearing layered intrusion (2426±38 Ma (Ekimova et.al., 2011); Pt-Pd gabbro-pegmatite ores (2476± 41 Ma, which agrees well with the U-Pb zircon age - 2470±9 Ma (Bayanova, 2004) and gabbronorites (2483±86 Ma) of PGE Kievey deposit and Fedorova Tundra metagabbroids (2494±54 Ma); Monchetundra gabbronorites - 2489±49 Ma. All investigations are devoted to memory of academician RAS, professor F. Mitrofanov (Russia), he was a leader of scientific school for geology, geochemistry and metallogenesis of ore deposits. The studies were supported by the RFBR 13-05-00493, OFI-M 13-05-12055, Department of Earth Sciences RAS (programs 2 and 4), IGCP-599.

Seaching for a Silver Lining: Using Pb Isotopes to Constrain the Source of Argentiferous Galena at La Isabela

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibodeau, A. M.; Killick, D. J.; Ruiz, J.; Chesley, J. T.; Baker, M.

2005-12-01

This study investigates the smelting and refining of argentiferous galena at La Isabela, Dominican Republic (1493-1498), the town founded by Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas. Archaeologists recovered approximately 100 kilograms of galena and 200 kilograms of metallurgical slag near the remains of a crude furnace unearthed at the site (Deagan and Cruxent 2002). The purpose of this study was to determine if these remains are evidence that members of Columbus's fleet prospected for silver during his second expedition. Samples of ore and slag were examined as metallographic polished sections, and petrographic thin sections by optical and scanning electron microscopes. The composition of the ore and slag allows us to infer these ores were processed in a two-stage procedure to produce silver metal and a lead silicate slag. Electron microprobe analysis of galena indicates highly variable but low Ag content (50 ppm), which may account for the fact some of the ore was left unprocessed. Lead isotope analysis by multi-collector ICP-MS indicates that the galena likely came from a single source and was not mined within the Caribbean. Instead, the isotopic signature of these ores is consistent with an Old World source, possibly in the Linares-La Carolina Pb-Zn vein field of southwestern Spain.

Coupled X-ray computed tomography and grey level co-occurrence matrices as a method for quantification of mineralogy and texture in 3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jardine, M. A.; Miller, J. A.; Becker, M.

2018-02-01

Texture is one of the most basic descriptors used in the geological sciences. The value derived from textural characterisation extends into engineering applications associated with mining, mineral processing and metal extraction where quantitative textural information is required for models predicting the response of the ore through a particular process. This study extends the well-known 2D grey level co-occurrence matrices methodology into 3D as a method for image analysis of 3D x-ray computed tomography grey scale volumes of drill core. Subsequent interrogation of the information embedded within the grey level occurrence matrices (GLCM) indicates they are sensitive to changes in mineralogy and texture of samples derived from a magmatic nickel sulfide ore. The position of the peaks in the GLCM is an indication of the relative density (specific gravity, SG) of the minerals and when interpreted using a working knowledge of the mineralogy of the ore presented a means to determine the relative abundance of the sulfide minerals (SG > 4), dense silicate minerals (SG > 3), and lighter silicate minerals (SG < 3). The spread of the peaks in the GLCM away from the diagonal is an indication of the degree of grain boundary interaction with wide peaks representing fine grain sizes and narrow peaks representing coarse grain sizes. The method lends itself to application as part of a generic methodology for routine use on large XCT volumes providing quantitative, timely, meaningful and automated information on mineralogy and texture in 3D.

Oreshoot zoning in the Carlin-type Betze orebody, Goldstrike Mine, Eureka County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, Stephen G.; Ferdock, Gregory C.; Woitsekhowskaya, Maria B.; Leonardson, Robert; Rahn, Jerry

1998-01-01

Field and laboratory investigations of the giant Betze gold orebody, the largest Carlin-type deposit known, in the north-central Carlin trend, Nevada document that the orebody is composed of individual high-grade oreshoots that contain different geologic, mineralogic, and textural characteristics. The orebody is typical of many structurally controlled Carlin-type deposits, and is hosted in thin-bedded, impure carbonate or limy siltstone, breccia bodies, and intrusive or calc-silicate rock. Most ores in the Betze orebody are highly sheared or brecciated and show evidence of syndeformational hydrothermal deposition. The interplay between rock types and pre- and syn-structural events accounts for most of the distribution and zoning of the oreshoots. Hydrothermal alteration is scale dependent, either in broad, pervasive alteration patterns, or in areas related to various oreshoots. Alteration includes decarbonatization (~decalcification) of carbonate units, argillization (illite-clay), and silicification. Patterns of alteration zoning in and surrounding the Betze orebody define a large porous, dilated volume of rock where high fluid flow predominated. Local restriction of alteration to narrow illite- and clay-rich selvages around unaltered marble or calc-silicate rock phacoids implies that fluid flow favored permeable structures and deformed zones. Gold mainly is present as disseminated sub-micron-sized particles, commonly associated with Asñrich pyrite, although one type of oreshoot contains micron-size free gold. Oreshoots form a three-dimensional zoning pattern in the orebody within a WNW-striking structural zone of shearing and shear folding, termed the Dillon deformation zone (DDZ). Main types of oreshoots are: (1) rutile-bearing siliceous oreshoots; (2) illite-clay-pyrite oreshoots; (3) realgar- and orpiment-bearing oreshoots; (4) stibnite-bearing siliceous oreshoots; and (5) polymetallic oreshoots. Zoning patterns result from paragenetically early development of illite-clay-pyrite oreshoots during movement along the DDZ, and subsequent silicification and brecciation, associated with formation of the realgar- and orpiment-bearing, and stibnite-bearing oreshoots. Additional shear movement along the DDZ followed. Polymetallic oreshoots, which contain minerals rich in Hg, Cu, Zn, Ag, and native Au, were the last ores to form and overprint most earlier oreshoots. Ore textures, gouge, phyllonitic rock, alteration style, and previously documented isotopic and fluid-inclusion data, all indicate a weakly to moderately saline fluid that ascended and cooled during structural displacements. Changing conditions, due to water-wall rock reactions and P-T changes during deformation, are probably responsible for fluid variation that resulted in zoning of the different oreshoots during dynamic interaction of the Au-bearing fluid with the wall rock. This investigation indicates that isolated As-, Sb-, and Hg-rich ores are separate parts of a larger single gold system. This large gold system was contemporaneous with post-Jurassic brittle-ductile deformation, on the basis of deformed mineralized pods of the Jurassic Goldstrike pluton, and large-scale hydrothermal flow, and together they appear to be an integral part of the formation of some Carlin-type gold deposits in north-central Nevada.

The Distribution and Composition Characteristics of Siliceous Rocks from Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay Joint Belt, South China: Constraint on the Tectonic Evolution of Plates in South China

PubMed Central

Li, Hongzhong; Zhai, Mingguo; Zhang, Lianchang; Zhou, Yongzhang; Yang, Zhijun; He, Junguo; Liang, Jin; Zhou, Liuyu

2013-01-01

The Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt is a significant tectonic zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysian plates, where plentiful hydrothermal siliceous rocks are generated. Here, the authors studied the distribution of the siliceous rocks in the whole tectonic zone, which indicated that the tensional setting was facilitating the development of siliceous rocks of hydrothermal genesis. According to the geochemical characteristics, the Neopalaeozoic siliceous rocks in the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt denoted its limited width. In comparison, the Neopalaeozoic Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt was diverse for its ocean basin in the different segments and possibly had subduction only in the south segment. The ocean basin of the north and middle segments was limited in its width without subduction and possibly existed as a rift trough that was unable to resist the terrigenous input. In the north segment of the Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay joint belt, the strata of hydrothermal siliceous rocks in Dongxiang copper-polymetallic ore deposit exhibited alternative cycles with the marine volcanic rocks, volcanic tuff, and metal sulphide. These sedimentary systems were formed in different circumstances, whose alternative cycles indicated the release of internal energy in several cycles gradually from strong to weak. PMID:24302882

Mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and paragenesis of gold, silver, and base-metal ores of the North Amethyst vein system, San Juan Mountains, Mineral County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foley, Nora K.; Caddey, Stanton W.; Byington, Craig B.; Vardiman, David M.

1993-01-01

Mineralogic, lead-isotopic, and fluid-inclusion characteristics of the younger association are similar to those of ores of the southern and central parts of the Creede mining district. In contrast, the gold and manganese-silicate assemblages of the older association are rare to absent in the southern and central parts of the district. The local and early occurrence of the manganese and gold assemblages may indicate that they formed in a small hydrothermal cell that predated the extensive hydrothermal system from which ores of the central and southern parts of the Creede district are proposed to have been deposited (Bethke, 1988). If similar early-stage cells were present in the southern and central parts of the district, they may have been replaced or overprinted by later assemblages, and they may remain to be discovered. In the latter case, mineral assemblages that formed at early stages in the paragenesis hold the most promise for gold exploration.

Degradation of different elastomeric polymers in simulated geothermal environments at 300°C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sugama, Toshifumi; Pyatina, Tatiana; Redline, Erica Marie

This study evaluates the degradation of six different elastomeric polymers used for O-rings: EPDM, FEPM, type I- and II-FKM, FFKM, and FSR, in five different simulated geothermal environments at 300 °C: 1) non-aerated steam/cooling cycles, 2) aerated steam/cooling cycles, 3) water-based drilling fluid, 4) CO 2-rich geo-brine fluid, and, 5) heat–cool water quenching cycles. The factors assessed included the extent of oxidation, changes in thermal behavior, micro-defects, permeation of ionic species from the test environments into the O-rings, silicate-related scale-deposition, and changes in the O-rings' elastic modulus. The reliability of the O-rings to maintain their integrity depended on the elastomericmore » polymer composition and the exposure environment. FSR disintegrated while EPDM was oxidized only to some degree in all the environments, FKM withstood heat-water quenching but underwent chemical degradation, FEPM survived in all the environments with the exception of heat-water quenching where it underwent severe oxidation-induced degradation, and FFKM displayed outstanding compatibility with all the tested environments. This study discusses the degradation mechanisms of the polymers under the aforementioned conditions.« less

Degradation of different elastomeric polymers in simulated geothermal environments at 300°C

DOE PAGES

Sugama, Toshifumi; Pyatina, Tatiana; Redline, Erica Marie; ...

2015-07-17

This study evaluates the degradation of six different elastomeric polymers used for O-rings: EPDM, FEPM, type I- and II-FKM, FFKM, and FSR, in five different simulated geothermal environments at 300 °C: 1) non-aerated steam/cooling cycles, 2) aerated steam/cooling cycles, 3) water-based drilling fluid, 4) CO 2-rich geo-brine fluid, and, 5) heat–cool water quenching cycles. The factors assessed included the extent of oxidation, changes in thermal behavior, micro-defects, permeation of ionic species from the test environments into the O-rings, silicate-related scale-deposition, and changes in the O-rings' elastic modulus. The reliability of the O-rings to maintain their integrity depended on the elastomericmore » polymer composition and the exposure environment. FSR disintegrated while EPDM was oxidized only to some degree in all the environments, FKM withstood heat-water quenching but underwent chemical degradation, FEPM survived in all the environments with the exception of heat-water quenching where it underwent severe oxidation-induced degradation, and FFKM displayed outstanding compatibility with all the tested environments. This study discusses the degradation mechanisms of the polymers under the aforementioned conditions.« less

Soft X-Ray Irradiation of Silicates: Implications for Dust Evolution in Protoplanetary Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciaravella, A.; Cecchi-Pestellini, C.; Chen, Y.-J.; Muñoz Caro, G. M.; Huang, C.-H.; Jiménez-Escobar, A.; Venezia, A. M.

2016-09-01

The processing of energetic photons on bare silicate grains was simulated experimentally on silicate films submitted to soft X-rays of energies up to 1.25 keV. The silicate material was prepared by means of a microwave assisted sol-gel technique. Its chemical composition reflects the Mg2SiO4 stoichiometry with residual impurities due to the synthesis method. The experiments were performed using the spherical grating monochromator beamline at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center in Taiwan. We found that soft X-ray irradiation induces structural changes that can be interpreted as an amorphization of the processed silicate material. The present results may have relevant implications in the evolution of silicate materials in X-ray-irradiated protoplanetary disks.

Experimental investigations of influence of pressure on the solubility of sulfur in silicate melts.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostyuk, Anastasia; Gorbachev, Nikolay

2010-05-01

Sulfide-silicate demixing of silicate melts on immiscible silicate and sulfide liquids occurs at magma sulfur saturation. This type of liquation plays an important role in geochemistry of mantle magmas, in processes of magmatic differentiation, and in ore deposit formation. The major parameter defining sulfide-silicate stratification of silicate melts is solubility of sulfur in magmas. It is considered that «solubility of sulfur» is concentration of sulfur in silicate melts. The previous researches have established positive dependence of solubility of sulphur on temperature [1, 2], melt composition [3, 4], oxidation-reduction conditions [5, 6] and our experimental data confirm it. However, available data does not give a simple answer about dependence of solubility of sulfur from pressure in modelling and natural "dry" sulfide-saturated silicate melts. The reason of difference in experiments remains not clear and further work is needed on this topic. In this paper, we report our findings on the influence of pressure on the solubility of sulfur in hydrous magnesian melts. This melts are represent by olivine basalt - picrite, coexisting with Fe-Cu-Ni sulfide melt and harzburgite (Ol+Opx) and it was investigated in a temperature range from 1200 to 1350°С and a pressure range from 0.2 to 2.5 GPa. Experiments were carried out on the piston-cylinder at Р=1-2.5GPa and in an internal-heated pressure vessels at P=0.2-0.6 GPa by a quenching technique. Our findings disagree with all previous studies demonstrating the positive [7] or negative [8, 9] influence of pressure on the solubility of sulfur in silicate melts. Our researches have shown complicated influence of pressure. Concentration of sulfur in glasses increases with increase in pressure from 0.2 to 0.6 GPa in experiments where andesite was used as a starting material. The sulfur concentration increases from 0.09 wt.% at 0.2 GPa to 0.4 wt.% at 0.6 GPa and Т=1200°С. In hydrous magnesian basalts (12-18 % MgO), we observe an extremum around 1.5 GPa. Solubility of sulfur increases from 0.31 wt.% to 1.01 wt.% at P=1-1.5 GPa, T=1300°С and decreases till 0.19 wt.% at P=2.5 GPa, T=1350°С. At ultrahigh (>4GPa) pressure concentration of sulfur in magmas will change slightly, considering increase of magnesian basalt liquidus in temperature and positive influence of temperature on the solubility of sulfur. Extreme character of the pressure dependences plays an important role in transportation of sulfide-silicate melts from the deep magmatic centers into the modern magmatic chambers where most of open deposits of hypabyssal ore-bearing magmas are localized. Possible explanation of an extremum in the field of 1.5-2.0 GPa is character of dissolution of water in silicate melts. Supported by grant RFBR 09-05-01131, 10-05-00928. References: 1.Luhr, J. F. Experimental phase relations of water- and sulphur-saturated arc magmas and the 1982 eruptions of El Chichòn Volcano. Journal of Petrology 31, 1990, p. 1071-1114. 2.Carroll, M. R. & Rutherford, M. J. The stability of igneous anhydrite: experimental results and implications for sulphur behavior in the 1982 El Chichòn trachyandesite and other evolved magmas. Journal of Petrology 28, 1987. p. 781-801. 3.Haughton, D. R., Roeder, P. L. & Skinner, B. J. Solubility of sulphur in mafic magmas. Economic Geology 69, 1974. p. 451-466 4.Wallace P., and Carmachael L.S.E. Sulfur in basaltic magmas. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 56, 1992. p. 1863-1874. 5.Fincham, C. J. B. & Richardson, F. D. Behaviour of sulphur in silicate and aluminate melts. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London 223, 1954. p. 40-62. 6.Carroll M.R. and Webster J.D. Solubilities of sulfur, noble gases, nitrogen, chlorine and fluorine in magmas. In Volatiles in Magmas (1994); pp. 231-279. Rev. mineral. 30, Mineralogical Society of America. 7.Mysen B.O., Popp R.N. Amer.J.Sci. V. 280. № 2. 1980 P.788-792. 8.Wendlandt R.F. Sulfide saturation of basalt and andesite melts at high pressure and temperature. Amer. Mineral. V. 67. № 7. 1982 P. 877-885. 9.Mavrogenes J.A., O'Neill H.S. The relative effects of pressure, temperature and oxygen fugacity on the solubility of sulfide in mafic magmas // Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 1999. V.63. № 7/8. P.1173-1180.

The Itataia phosphate-uranium deposit (Ceará, Brazil) new petrographic, geochemistry and isotope studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veríssimo, César Ulisses Vieira; Santos, Roberto Ventura; Parente, Clóvis Vaz; Oliveira, Claudinei Gouveia de; Cavalcanti, José Adilson Dias; Nogueira Neto, José de Araújo

2016-10-01

The Itataia phosphate-uranium deposit is located in Santa Quitéria, in central Ceará State, northeastern Brazil. Mineralization has occurred in different stages and involves quartz leaching (episyenitization), brecciation and microcrystalline phase formation of concretionary apatite. The last constitutes the main mineral of Itatiaia uranium ore, namely collophane. Collophanite ore occurs in massive bodies, lenses, breccia zones, veins or episyenite in marble layers, calc-silicate rocks and gneisses of the Itataia Group. There are two accepted theories on the origin of the earliest mineralization phase of Itataia ore: syngenetic (primary) - where the ore is derived from a continental source and then deposited in marine and coastal environments; and epigenetic (secondary) - whereby the fluids are of magmatic, metamorphic and meteoric origin. The characterization of pre- or post-deformational mineralization is controversial, since the features of the ore are interpreted as deformation. This investigation conducted isotopic studies and chemical analyses of minerals in marbles and calc-silicate rocks of the Alcantil and Barrigas Formations (Itataia Group), as well as petrographic and structural studies. Analysis of the thin sections shows at least three phosphate mineral phases associated with uranium mineralizaton: (1) A prismatic fluorapatite phase associated with chess-board albite, arfvedsonite and ferro-eckermannite; (2) a second fluorapatite phase with fibrous radial or colloform habits that replaces calcium carbonate in marble, especially along fractures, with minerals such as quartz, chlorite and zeolite also identified in calc-silicate rocks; and (3) an younger phosphate phase of botryoidal apatite (fluorapatite and hydroxyapatite) related with clay minerals and probably others calcium and aluminum phosphates. Detailed isotopic analysis carried out perpendicularly to the mineralized levels and veins in the marble revealed significant variation in isotopic ratios. Mineralized zones exhibit a decrease in δ13C and δ18O isotope values and a higher 87Sr/86Sr ratio toward the center of the vein. In conjunction with petrographic studies, these changes contesting the hypothesis of a sedimentary origin for uranium and suggest a radiogenic Sr input by alkaline to peralkaline fluids from fertile granites of the end of Brasiliano/Pan-African orogeny, located outside the deposit. The origin of the phosphorous is associated with phosphorite deposits in the same depositional environment of the neoproterozoic supracrustal quartz-pelite-carbonate sediments of the Itataia Group. Considering the studies conducted here and available geological data, three main mineralizing events can be identified in Itataia: (1) an initial high temperature event connected with a sodium metasomatism-related uranium episode, taking place in Borborema Province and its African counterpart; (2) a second lower temperature stage, consisting of a multiphase cataclastic/hydrothermal event limited to fault and paleokarst zones; and (3) a third and final event, developed in frankly oxidizing conditions. The last two involving mixing of hydrothermal and meteoric fluids.

The Gas Hills uranium district and some probable controls for ore deposition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zeller, Howard Davis

1957-01-01

Uranium deposits occur in the upper coarse-grained facies of the Wind River formation of Eocene age in the Gas Hills district of the southern part of the Wind River Basin. Some of the principal deposits lie below the water table in the unoxidized zone and consist of uraninite and coffinite occurring as interstitial fillings in irregular blanket-like bodies. In the near-surface deposits that lie above the water table, the common yellow uranium minerals consist of uranium phosphates, silicates, and hydrous oxides. The black unoxidized uraninite -coffinite ores show enrichment of molybdenum, arsenic, and selenium when compared to the barren sandstone. Probable geologic controls for ore deposits include: 1) permeable sediments that allowed passage of ore-bearing solutions; 2) numerous faults that acted as impermeable barriers impounding the ore -bearing solutions; 3) locally abundant pyrite, carbonaceous material, and natuial gas containing hydrogen sulfide that might provide a favorable environment for precipitation of uranium. Field and laboratory evidence indicate that the uranium deposits in the Gas Hills district are very young and related to the post-Miocene to Pleistocene regional tilting to the south associated with the collapse of the Granite Mountains fault block. This may have stopped or reversed ground water movement from a northward (basinward) direction and alkaline ground water rich in carbonate could have carried the uranium into the favorable environment that induced precipitation.

Selective Precipitation of Thorium lodate from a Tartaric Acid-Hydrogen Peroxide Medium Application to Rapid Spectrophotometric Determination of Thorium in Silicate Rocks and in Ores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grimaldi, F.S.

1957-01-01

This paper presents a selective iodate separation of thorium from nitric acid medium containing d-tartaric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is prevented by the use of 8quinolinol. A few micrograms of thorium are separated sufficiently clean from 30 mg. of such oxides as cerium, zirconium, titanium, niobium, tantalum, scandium, or iron with one iodate precipitation to allow an accurate determination of thorium with the thoronmesotartaric acid spectrophotometric method. The method is successful for the determination of 0.001% or more of thorium dioxide in silicate rocks and for 0.01% or more in black sand, monazite, thorite, thorianite, eschynite, euxenite, and zircon.

A geochemical assessment of possible lunar ore formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haskin, Larry A.; Colson, Russell O.; Vaniman, David

1991-01-01

The Moon apparently formed without appreciable water or other relatively volatile materials. Interior concentrations of water or other volatile substances appear to be extremely low. On Earth, water is important to the genesis of nearly all types of ores. Thus, some have reasoned that only abundant elements would occur in ore concentrations. The definition and recognition of ores on the Moon challenge the imaginations and the terrestrial perceptions of ore bodies. Lunar ores included solar-wind soaked soils, which contain abundant but dilute H, C, N, and noble gases (including He-3). Oxygen must be mined; soils contain approximately 45 percent (wt). Mainstream processes of rock formation concentrated Si, Mg, Al, Fe, and Ca, and possibly Ti and Cr. The highland surface contains approximately 70 percent (wt) feldspar (mainly CaAl2Si2O8), which can be separated from some highland soils. Small fragments of dunite were collected; dunite may occur in walls and central peaks of some craters. Theoretical extensions of observations of lunar samples suggest that the Moon may have produced ores of trace elements. Some small fragments have trace-element concentrations 10(exp 4) times higher than the lunar average, indicating that effective geochemical separations occurred; processes included fractional crystallization, silicate immiscibility, vaporization and condensation, and sulfide metamorphism. Operations of these processes acting on indigenous materials and on meteoritic material in the regolith could have produced ores. Infalling carbonaceous meteorites and comets have added water and hydrocarbons that may have been cold-trapped. Vesicles in basalts, pyroclastic beads, and reported transient events suggest gag emission from the lunar interior; such gas might concentrate and transport rare elements. Large impacts may disperse ores or produce them through deposition of heat at depth and by vaporization and subsequent condensation. The main problem in assessing lunar resources is the ignorance about the largely unexplored Moon.

SOFT X-RAY IRRADIATION OF SILICATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR DUST EVOLUTION IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ciaravella, A.; Cecchi-Pestellini, C.; Jiménez-Escobar, A.

2016-09-01

The processing of energetic photons on bare silicate grains was simulated experimentally on silicate films submitted to soft X-rays of energies up to 1.25 keV. The silicate material was prepared by means of a microwave assisted sol–gel technique. Its chemical composition reflects the Mg{sub 2}SiO{sub 4} stoichiometry with residual impurities due to the synthesis method. The experiments were performed using the spherical grating monochromator beamline at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center in Taiwan. We found that soft X-ray irradiation induces structural changes that can be interpreted as an amorphization of the processed silicate material. The present results may havemore » relevant implications in the evolution of silicate materials in X-ray-irradiated protoplanetary disks.« less

The study of hydrothermal alteration zones in Kahang exploration area (north eastern of Isfahan, central of Iran) using microscopy studies and TM and Aster satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahra Afshooni, Seyedeh; Esmaeily, Dariush

2010-05-01

Kahang ore deposit located in 73 km to the northeast of Isfahan city and 10 km to the east of Zefreh town, covering an area about 18.6 km2. This ore deposit is a part of Uromieh-Dokhtar volcanopolotonic belt. The rocks of the area included Andesite, Porphyritic Andesite, Dacite, Porphyritic, Rhyodacite, Diorite, Quartz Monzonite and Porphyry Micro Granite. In plutons, there is a trend from basic to acid features along with decreasing of age from margin to center of massive. Kahang region is an alteration and breccia zone. The occurrence of alteration zones and iron oxides were confirmed by satellite images processing. Generally, more than 90% of rocks of this region have been affected by hydrothermal fluids. Remote sensing refers to detection and measurement from a distance. For the first time, this exploration area was studied using satellite images processing (TM) and primary results showed that is suitable place for resources of Copper (Cu) and Molybdenum (Mo). Hydrothermal alteration commonly occurs in geothermal areas in association with ore deposits producing alteration assemblages typically dominated by silicates, sulfides, sulfates and carbonates. In the alteration zones studies the subject discussed is the study of existing minerals in such zones and study of chemical specifications of altering fluids. Four alteration zones Based on observations derived from the study of thin sections, XRD analysis and deep remote sensing using TM and Aster satellite images studies could be identified in this area: propylitic alteration zone with chlorite, epidot, calcite; argillic alteration zone with clay minerals; phyllic (qartz-sericite) alteration zone with quartz, sericite and pyrite and silicic alteration zone with abundant quartz.

In situ strontium and sulfur isotope investigation of the Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luolavirta, Kirsi; Hanski, Eero; Maier, Wolfgang; Lahaye, Yann; O'Brien, Hugh; Santaguida, Frank

2018-01-01

The 2.06-Ga Kevitsa mafic-ultramafic intrusion in northern Finland hosts a large disseminated Ni-Cu-PGE deposit. The deposit occurs in the ultramafic olivine-pyroxene cumulates and shows a range in Ni tenors varying from 4-7 wt% (regular ore) to > 10 wt% (Ni-PGE ore). There are also a metal-poor sulfide mineralization (false ore) and contact mineralization that are uneconomic (Ni tenor < 4 wt%). The obtained 87Sr/86Sr(i) values of the Kevitsa ultramafic cumulates are highly radiogenic (> 0.7045) in comparison to the estimated depleted mantle Sr isotope ratio of 0.702 at 2.06 Ga. The sulfur δ 34S values are generally higher than + 2‰, which together with the Sr isotope data imply involvement of crustal material in the genesis of the Kevitsa intrusion and its ores. The 87Sr/86Sr(i) values obtained from the ore-bearing domain of the intrusion show stratigraphic variation and exceed 0.7050, with the maximum value reaching up to 0.7109. In contrast, in rocks around the ore domain, the initial Sr isotope compositions remain more or less constant (0.7047-0.7060) throughout the intrusive stratigraphy. The isotope data suggest that the ore-bearing domain of the intrusion represents a dynamic site with multiple injections of variably contaminated magma, whereas the surrounding part of the intrusion experienced a less vigorous emplacement history. No correlation is observed between the strontium and sulfur isotope compositions. This is explained by bulk assimilation of the silicate magma in a deeper staging magma chamber and variable assimilation of sulfur during magma transport into the Kevitsa magma chamber. The low level of metals in false ore and the Ni-depleted nature of its olivine suggest that some sulfides may have precipitated and deposited in the feeder conduit during the initial stage of magma emplacement. Cannibalization of early-formed sulfides by later magma injections may have been important in the formation of the economic ore deposit.

Platinum and Palladium Exsolution Textures in Quenched Sulfide Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reo, G.; Frank, M. R.; Loocke, M. P.; Macey, C. J.

2017-12-01

Magmatic sulfide ore deposits account for over 80% of the world's platinum group element (PGE) reserves. Layered mafic intrusions (LMIs), a type of magmatic sulfide ore deposit, contain alternating layers of silicate and sulfide mineralization that are thought to have coexisted as an immiscible silicate + sulfide melt pair. Platinum and palladium, the most common PGEs found in LMIs, heavily favor the sulfide melt. Nernst partition coefficients for Pt (D = wt% of Pt in sulfide/wt% of Pt in silicate) range from 102 to 109. This study examined the Pt- and Pd-bearing phases that formed from the quenched sulfide melts to better constrain the PGE-rich sulfide layers of LMIs system. Experiments were conducted with a basalt melt, sulfide melt, and Pt-Pd metal in a vertical tube furnace at 1100°C and 1 atm and with oxygen fugacity buffered to QFM (quartz-fayalite-magnetite). Following the experiments, run products containing both sulfide and silicate glasses (quenched melts) were analyzed by a Shimadzu EPMA-1720HT Electron Probe Microanalyzer. The focus here is on the quenched Fe-rich sulfides whereas data on the partitioning of Pt and Pd between the coexisting silicate and sulfide melts will be presented in the future. The sulfide samples were imaged in back-scattering mode and major and trace element concentrations of separate metal-rich phases in the sulfide matrix were ascertained through wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Three discernable PGE-rich phases were found to have exsolved from the sulfide matrix upon quenching of the sulfide melt. All of these phases had Fe and S of 21-24 and 16-22 wt.%, respectively. An irregularly shaped Pd- and Cu-rich sulfide phase ( 36 and 14 wt.%, respectively) makes up the majority of the exsolution product. A separate Pd- and Ni-rich phase ( 22 and 14 wt%, respectively) can be found as grains or rims adjacent to the exsolved Pd- and Cu-rich phase. A third Pd- and Pt-rich phase ( 26 and 18 wt.%, respectively) exhibits a dendritic quench texture and is usually surrounded by the sulfide matrix. These data indicate that multiple phases, each with a different Pt:Pd ratio can form upon quench of a homogenous sulfide melt. Thus, the analysis of PGE-rich sulfide domains within LMI may be best considered as a single phase when conducting exploration efforts.

Global Analysis of the Shallow Geology of Large-Scale Ocean Slopes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

nannoplankton. Ben- thonic forams are common in lesser amounts and pteropods may occur in warm climates at depths less than 3000 m. Siliceous...Foraminifera and nannoplankton dominate. In warm waters, carbo- nate reefs may grow in shallow depths on the tops of subsiding volcanoes (Menard...Paleozoic E Eocene A A Horizon O Oligocene Where two labels ore hyphenated (ie. M-E), the time boundary dates between the two ages. - Acoustic Basement

Factors affecting the partitioning of Cu, Zn and Pb in boulder coatings and stream sediments in the vicinity of a polymetallic sulfide deposit

USGS Publications Warehouse

Filipek, L.H.; Chao, T.T.; Carpenter, R.H.

1981-01-01

A sequential extraction scheme is utilized to determine the geochemical partitioning of Cu, Zn and Pb among hydrous Mn- and Fe-oxides, organics and residual crystalline silicates and oxides in the minus-80-mesh ( Fe-oxides > Mn-oxides; Zn, Mn-oxides {reversed tilde equals} organics > Fe-oxides; Pb, Fe-oxides > organics > Mn-oxides. In the sediments, organics are the most efficient scavengers of all three ore metals. These results emphasize the importance of organics as sinks for the ore metals, even in environments with high concentrations of Mn- and Fe-oxides. Of the ore metals, Zn appears to be the most mobile, and is partitioned most strongly into the coatings. However, anomaly contrast for hydromorphic Zn, normalized to the MnFe-oxide or organic content, is similar in sediments and coatings. Cu shows the highest anomaly on the boulder coatings, probably due to precipitation of a secondary Cu mineral. In contrast, detrital Pb in the pan concentrates shows a better anomaly than any hydromorphic Pb component. ?? 1981.

Mineralogical variation of skarn ore from the Tellerhäuser deposit, Pöhla, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simons, Bethany; Andersen, Jens Christian; Rollinson, Gavyn; Armstrong, Robin; Dolgopolova, Alla; Seltmann, Reimar; Stanley, Chris; Roscher, Marco

2017-04-01

The polymetallic Zn-Fe-Sn-Cu-In skarns at Pöhla Tellerhäuser in the western Erzgebirge represent some of the largest unexploited occurrences of Sn and In in Europe. The skarns developed in schists and gneisses at the margin of the Schwarzenberg Gneiss cupola and the Eibenstock granites. The flat-lying skarn layers display extreme mineralogical variability with alternating units of pyroxene, sphalerite, magnetite, amphibole and calc-silicate skarns with hanging wall schist and feeder stockwork. The polymetallic skarn ores represent a complex challenge for mineral processing, with fine-grained, locked target minerals and partitioning of target metals into silicates (e.g. Sn in malayaite). Optical microscopy, QEMSCAN® and electron-probe microanalysis have been used to determine the mineralogical variability of the skarn types with the aim to determine the deportment of the target metals to guide mineral processing test work. The composition of the skarns is extremely variable reflecting the complex mineralogy and indicating substantial variability associated with replacement reactions through the protolith(s). Cassiterite (SnO2) is the dominant Sn-bearing mineral in all the skarn types. However, the skarns also carry malayaite (CaSnO[SiO4], up to 0.03 vol%), which locally dominates over cassiterite. Cassiterite is intergrown with Fe-amphibole, grossular garnet, fluorite and magnetite. The cassiterite is unaltered, but some grains have rare iron oxide rims and inclusions. Malayaite shows a similar association to cassiterite and is intergrown as clusters of grains with silicate gangue, particularly Fe amphibole and grossular garnet and remains unaltered with no inclusions. Zinc is exclusively hosted in sphalerite and varies from 0.02 wt.% in the hanging wall schist to 36.5 wt.% in the sphalerite skarn. The high Zn values are accompanied by high values of Cd (locally in excess of 1000 ppm) and In (up to 180 ppm). Sphalerite grains are locally up to 4 mm, subhedral with chalcopyrite disease and pyrite epitaxial growth along contacts between sphalerite and magnetite. Inclusions in sphalerite include bornite, enargite, chalcocite and arsenopyrite. Magnetite comprises up to 94 vol% (mean 32 vol%) of the magnetite skarn and displays extensive haematite alteration. Intergrown with magnetite are subordinate cassiterite and sphalerite with chalcopyrite disease and high In concentrations. The mineralogical complexity is the most significant challenge for processing of the Tellerhäuser ore. Some Sn is locked within silicates leading to an expected loss in processing. The diverse gangue mineralogy is likely to interfere with traditional gravity and magnetic separation techniques. Biohydrometallurgy may offer a particularly attractive method of recovery for Zn, Cu and In. This contribution is sponsored by the EU Horizon 2020 project "FAME" (grant 641650)

The effects of sulfide composition on the solubility of sulfur in coexisting silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smythe, Duane; Wood, Bernard; Kiseeva, Ekaterina

2016-04-01

The extent to which sulfur dissolves in silicate melts saturated in an immiscible sulfide phase is a fundamental question in igneous petrology and plays a primary role in the generation of magmatic ore deposits, volcanic degassing and planetary differentiation. Terrestrial sulfide melts often contain over 20 weight percent Ni + Cu, however, most experimental studies investigating sulfur solubility in silicate melt have been primarily concerned with the effects of silicate melt composition, and pure FeS has been use as the immiscible sulfide melt (O'Neill and Mavrogenes, 2002; Li and Ripley, 2005). To investigation of the effects of sulfide composition, in addition to those of temperature, pressure and silicate melt composition, on sulfur solubility in silicate melts, we have carried out a series of experiments done at pressures between 1.5 and 3 GPa and temperatures from 1400 to 1800C over a range of compositions of both the silicate and sulfide melt. We find that the solubility of sulfur in silicate melts drops significantly with the substitution of Ni and Cu for Fe in the immiscible sulfide melt, decreasing by approximately 40% at mole fractions of NiS + Cu2S of 0.4. Combining our results with those from the previous studies investigating sulfur solubility in silicate melts we have also found that solubility increases with increasing temperature and decreases pressure. These results show that without considering the composition of the immiscible sulfide phase the sulfur content of silicate melts can be significantly overestimated. This may serve to explain the relatively low sulfur concentrations in MORB melts, which previous models predict to be undersaturated in a sulfide phase despite showing chemical and textural evidence for sulfide saturation. Li, C. & Ripley, E. M. (2005). Empirical equations to predict the sulfur content of mafic magmas at sulfide saturation and applications to magmatic sulfide deposits. Mineralium Deposita 40, 218-230. O'Neill, H. S. C. & Mavrogenes, J. A. (2002). The Sulfide Capacity and the Sulfur Content at Sulfide Saturation of Silicate Melts at 1400°C and 1 bar. Journal of Petrology 43, 1049-1087.

Whole-rock and mineral compositional constraints on the magmatic evolution of the Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luolavirta, Kirsi; Hanski, Eero; Maier, Wolfgang; Santaguida, Frank

2018-01-01

The 2.06 Ga mafic-ultramafic Kevitsa intrusion is located in the Central Lapland greenstone belt. The lower ultramafic part of the intrusion hosts a large disseminated Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposit with Ni tenors ranging widely from < 4 wt% (uneconomic false ore and contact mineralization) to 4-7 wt% (regular ore) and up to 40 wt% (Ni-PGE ore). The stratigraphy of the ultramafic cumulates is divided into the basal pyroxenite-gabbro (Basal series), olivine pyroxenite (OLPX), pyroxenite, and plagioclase-bearing (ol) websterite (pOLWB), of which the latter occurs together with minor microgabbros in the ore-bearing domain of the intrusion. Around the ore domain, the ultramafic cumulate succession records a simple lithological stratigraphy and modest and predictable variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions. The ore-bearing domain, in contrast, is characterized by a complex internal architecture, variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions, and the presence of numerous inclusions and xenoliths. The OLPXs are mainly composed of cumulus olivine (Fo77-89) and clinopyroxene (Mg#81-92) with variable amounts of oikocrystic orthopyroxene (Mg#79-84). They comprise the bulk of the ultramafic cumulates and are the dominant host rocks to the sulfide ore. The host rocks to the regular and false ore type are mineralogically and compositionally similar (Fo 80-83, mostly) and show mildly LREE-enriched REE patterns (CeN/YbN 2), characteristic for the bulk of the Kevitsa ultramafic cumulates. The abundance of orthopyroxene and magnetite is lowest in the host rocks to the Ni-PGE ore type, being in line with the mineral compositions of the silicates, which are the most primitive in the intrusion. However, it contrasts with the LREE-enriched nature of the ore type (CeN/YbN 7), indicating significant involvement of crustal material in the magma. The contrasting intrusive stratigraphy in the different parts of the intrusion likely reflects different emplacement histories. It is proposed that the Kevitsa magma chamber was initially filled by stable continuous flow ("single" input) of basaltic magma followed by differentiation in an at least nearly closed system. In the following stage, new magma pulses were repeatedly emplaced into the interior of the intrusion in a dynamic (open) system forming the sulfide ore bodies. To gain the peculiar compositional and mineralogical characteristics of the Ni-PGE ore type, the related magma probably interacted with different country rocks en route to the Kevitsa magma chamber.

Rhenium and Iridium Partitioning in Silicate and Magmatic Spinels: Implications for Planetary Magmatism and Mantles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.

2001-01-01

Highly siderophile elements Re, Ru and Ir partition strongly into spinel structures with large octahedral sites. New experimental results for both magmatic and silicate spinels will be presented with a few planetary implications. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Direct dating and characterization of the Pope's Hill REE Deposit, Labrador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chafe, A. N.; Hanchar, J. M.; Fisher, C.; Piccoli, P. M.; Crowley, J. L.; Dimmell, P. M.

2012-12-01

The Pope's Hill rare earth element (REE) trend (PHT) is located approximately 100 km southwest of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, along the Trans Labrador Highway, in central Labrador. Whole-rock geochemical analyses of the main REE-bearing unit indicate total rare earth element contents ranging from 1 to 22 weight percent (wt%) REE3+. The REE-enriched unit is hosted within a hydrothermally altered syenite, trending northeast and traceable for approximately 2.8km. Samples of ore, host rock, and country rock, were collected from throughout the trend in order to: 1) quantify which phases concentrate the REE and their abundances and distribution in the ore; and 2) use in situ LA-ICPMS and ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronology and in situ Sm-Nd isotopes using LA-MC-ICPMS in monazite from the ore and host rock to constrain the timing of mineralization and determine the source of the REE. These data will help develop predictive models for this type of mineral deposit elsewhere. The PHT is defined as the host syenite and REE-enriched segregations; two contrasting lithologies. The rare earth element minerals (REE) occur in millimeter- to centimeter-scale pods that are locally discontinuous. The REE are hosted in a variety of silicate, phosphate, carbonate, and niobate phases; with a majority hosted in allanite(-Ce), titanite(-Ce), monazite(-Ce), britholite(-Ce); and a minor percentage in REE-carbonates and fergusonite(-Nd). Both apatite and titanite occur in two different compositional forms that range in chemistry from end-member stoichiometric apatite and titanite to highly REE-enriched - apatite-britholite and titanite(-Ce), where chemical substitutions, such as Si4+ + REE3+ substitute for Ca2+ + P5+ in apatite and REE3+ + Fe3+ substitute for Ca2+ + Ti4+ in titanite in order to incorporate up to ~40 wt% REE2O3 in both minerals. The U-Pb geochronology indicate that allanite, titanite(-Ce), monazite and fergusonite crystallized from ~1060 to ~940 Ma, a period spanning ~120 Ma. Sm-Nd tracer isotope data from the same minerals indicate that the syenite and ore have initial Nd within a single ɛNd unit. This combined with their field relationship to the foliation and the microtextures observed in thin section suggests that the REE minerals experienced syndeformational growth from a hydrothermal fluid, acting on both host and ore, where REEs in aqueous hard ligand complexes became saturated in silicate, phosphate, carbonate, and niobate minerals through the changing T, P and chemical conditions brought on by deformation.

Genesis of iron-apatite ores in Posht-e-Badam Block (Central Iran) using REE geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, Mir Ali Asghar; Zadeh, Ghader Hossein; Emami, Mohamad Hashem

2013-06-01

Rare earth elements in apatites of different ore types show characteristic patterns which are related to different modes of formation of the ores. Most of the apatite-bearing iron ores are associated with alkaline magmas with LREE/HREE fractionation varying from moderate to steep. Iron-apatite deposits in Posht-e-Badam Block (Central Iran) have a high concentration of REE (more than 1000 ppm up to 2.5%), and show a strong LREE/HREE ratio with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly. This REE pattern is typical of magmatic apatite and quiet distinct from sedimentary apatites (phosphorites) which have a low REE contents and Ce negative anomalies. On the other hand, they are comparable to the REE patterns of apatites in Kiruna-type iron ores in different parts of the world. The REE patterns of apatites, iron-apatite ores and iron ores are similar and only have different REE contents. This similarity indicates a genetic relation for these rocks. Most of the iron-apatite deposits in Central Iran have similar REE patterns too, which in turn show a genetic relation for all of these deposits. This similarity indicates a similar origin and processes in their genesis. There are some small intrusions around some of the iron-apatite deposits that are petrographically identified as syenite and gabbro. These intrusions also have REE patterns similar to that of iron-apatite ores. This demonstrates a genetic relation between these intrusions and iron-apatite ores. The REE patterns of apatites in different deposits of Posht-e-Badam Block iron-apatite ores show an affinity to alkaline to sub-alkaline magmas and rifting environment. The alkaline host rocks of Central Iran iron-apatite ores are clearly related to an extensional setting where rifting was important (SSE-NNW fault lines). A probable source for this large scale ore forming processes is relatively low partial melting of mantle rocks. The ores have originated by magmatic differentiation as a late phase in the volcanic cycle forming sub-surface injections or surface flows. These ores have formed during magmatism as immiscible liquids (silicate and Fe-P-rich magmatic liquids) which separated from strongly differentiated magmas aided by a large volatile and alkali element content. Separation of an iron oxide melt and the ensuing hydrothermal processes dominated by alkali metasomatism were both involved to different degrees in the formation of Posht-e-Badam Block iron-apatite deposits. We proposed that the separation of an iron oxide melt and the ensuing hydrothermal processes dominated by alkali metasomatism were both involved to different degrees in the formation of Posht-e-Badam Block iron-apatite deposits.

Influence of microwaves on the leaching kinetics of uraninite from a low grade ore in dilute sulfuric acid.

PubMed

Madakkaruppan, V; Pius, Anitha; T, Sreenivas; Giri, Nitai; Sarbajna, Chanchal

2016-08-05

This paper describes a study on microwave assisted leaching of uranium from a low-grade ore of Indian origin. The host rock for uranium mineralization is chlorite-biotite-muscovite-quartzo-feldspathic schist. The dominant presence of siliceous minerals determined leaching of uranium values in sulfuric acid medium under oxidizing conditions. Process parametric studies like the effect of sulfuric acid concentration (0.12-0.50M), redox potential (400-500mV), particle size (600-300μm) and temperature (35°-95°C) indicated that microwave assisted leaching is more efficient in terms of overall uranium dissolution, kinetics and provide relatively less impurities (Si, Al, Mg and Fe) in the leach liquor compared to conventional conductive leaching. The kinetics of leaching followed shrinking core model with product layer diffusion as controlling mechanism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geology of the Midnite uranium mine, Stevens County, Washington; a preliminary report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nash, J. Thomas; Lehrman, Norman J.

1975-01-01

The Midnite mine is one of only two mines in the United States currently producing uranium from discordant deposits in crystalline host rocks. Ore bodies are in metamorphosed steeply dipping Precambrian pelitic and calcareous rocks of a roof pendant adjacent to a Cretaceous(?) porphyritic quartz monzonite pluton. Production during 14 years, of operation has been about 8 million pounds of U3O8 from oxidized and reduced ores averaging 0.23 percent U3O8. Uranium deposits are generally tabular in form and dimensions range up to 380 m long, 210 m wide, and 50 m thick. Deposits are bounded on at least one side by unmineralized intrusive ribs of granitic rock, and thickest mineralized zones invariably occur at depressions in the intrusive contact. Upper limits of some deposits are nearly horizontal, and upper elevations of adjacent mineralized zones separated by ribs of granite are similar. Near surface ore is predominantly autunite, but ore at depth consists of pitchblende and coffinite with abundant pyrite and marcasite. Uranium minerals occur as .disseminations along foliation, replacements, and stockwork fracture-fillings. No stratigraphic controls on ore deposition are recognized. Rather, mineralized zones cut across lithologic boundaries if permeability is adequate. Most ore is in muscovite schist and mica phyllite, but important deposits occur in calc-silicate hornfels. Amphibolite sills and mid-Tertiary dacite dikes locally, carry ore where intensely fractured. High content of iron and sulfur, contained chiefly in FeS2, appear to be an important feature of favorable host rocks. Geometry of deposits, structural, and geochemical features suggest that uranium minerals were deposited over a span of time from late Cretaceous to late Tertiary. Ore occurs in but is not offset by a shear zone that displaces mid-Tertiary rocks.. Economic zones of uranium are interpreted to have been secondarily enriched in late Tertiary time by downward and lateral migration of uranium into permeable zones where deposition was influenced by ground water controls and minerals that could reduce or neutralize uranium-bearing solutions.

Geochemistry and geochronology of ore-bearing and barren intrusions in the Luanchuan ore fields of East Qinling metallogenic belt, China: Diverse tectonic evolution and implications for mineral exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Fei; Wang, Gongwen; Santosh, M.; Yang, Fan; Shen, Zhiwei; Kong, Liang; Guo, Nana; Zhang, Xuhuang; Jia, Wenjuan

2018-05-01

The Luanchuan ore fields form part of the East Qinling metallogenic belt in central China. In this study, we compare two ore-bearing intrusions, the Shibaogou granitic pluton (SBG) and the Zhongyuku granitic pluton (ZYK), with the ore-barren Laojunshan intrusion (LJS) from the Luanchuan ore field. Geochemically, all the three intrusions are characterized by high-Si, high-K, and alkalis, together with moderate-ASI, exhibiting I-type granite features. The rocks, especially the ore-related plutons also show enrichment in LREEs. Mineral chemistry of biotite from the intrusions exhibits similar features of high Si and Mg, and low Al and Fe. Zircon grains from the ZYK intrusion yielded a U-Pb age of 149.6 ± 2.4 Ma. The zircon grains show εHf (t) values and two stage model ages (TDM2) in the range of -16.8 to -19.7 and 1998-2156 Ma respectively. The biotite composition and Hf isotopic data indicate that the magma was derived by re-melting of deep crustal material with minor input of mantle components. We evaluate the results to understand the physico-chemical conditions, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting, and their implications for mineral exploration. The ore-bearing plutons show wide ranges of temperature and oxygen fugacity, favoring Mo-W mineralization. In addition, estimates on pressure and depth of emplacement suggest that lower solidification pressure in a decompressional setting contributed to the evolution of magmatic hydrothermal deposits. Our data suggest that the ZYK has the highest potential for Mo-W mineralization. The ore-bearing plutons of ZYK and SBG were formed in a transitional tectonic setting from compression to extension, with the large-scale metallogeny triggered by slab melts at ca. 145 Ma. However, the ore-barren LJS batholith formed in an extension-related geodynamic setting at ∼115 Ma. Our study shows that different tectonic settings and consequent physico-chemical conditions dictated the ore potential of the intrusions in the Luanchuan ore district.

Experimental observations on noble metal nanonuggets and Fe-Ti oxides, and the transport of platinum group elements in silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anenburg, Michael; Mavrogenes, John A.

2016-11-01

Platinum group element (PGE) nanonuggets are a nuisance in experimental studies designed to measure solubility or partitioning of noble metals in silicate melts. Instead of treating nanonuggets as experimental artifacts, we studied their behaviour motivated by recent discoveries of PGE nanonuggets in a variety of natural settings. We used an experimental setup consisting of AgPd, Pt or AuPd capsules and Fe(-Ti) oxide-saturated hydrous peralkaline silicate melts to maximise nanonugget production. TABS (Te, As, Bi, Sb, Sn) commonly occur in PGM (platinum group minerals), prompting addition of Bi to our experiments to investigate its properties as well. Three-dimensional optical examination by 100× objective and immersion oil reveals variable colour which correlates with nanonugget size and shape due to plasmon resonance effects. We observe two textural types: (1) intermediate-sized nanonuggets dispersed in the glass and adhering to oxides, and (2) abundant fine nanonuggets dispersed in the glass with coarse euhedral crystals in contact with oxides. Slow cooling removes dispersed nanonuggets and greatly coarsens existing oxide-associated metal crystals. Nanonugget-free halos are commonly observed around oxide grains. All metal phases are composed of major (Ag, Pd) and trace (Pt, Ir, Au) capsule material. Our results show reduction processes, imposed by growing oxides, causing local metal saturation in the oxide rich zones with preferential nucleation on smaller oxide grains. The redox gradient then blocks additional metals from diffusing into oxide rich zones, forming halos. As the entire experimental charge is reduced throughout the run, nanonuggets form in the distal glass. Bismuth contents of metal phases do not depend on Bi2O3 amounts dissolved in the melt. Further PGM crystallisation consumes nanonuggets as feedstock. We conclude that the appearance of metallic PGE phases happens in two stages: first as nanonuggets and then as larger PGM. Once formed, nanonuggets cannot be removed by oxidation or dissolution, but only by PGM coarsening. Sulfur-poor PGE ore deposits commonly contain more PGE than permitted by existing estimates of equilibrium solubility in silicate melts. This is commonly explained by initial scavenging of PGE by sulfide liquids followed by S-loss, but evidence for S-loss is not conclusive. We suggest that nanonuggets may be a means to transport PGE from source regions to form ore deposits, followed by direct PGM crystallisation from silicate melt without intermediate concentration by sulfide liquids.

Trace elements in magnetite from massive iron oxide-apatite deposits indicate a combined formation by igneous and magmatic-hydrothermal processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knipping, Jaayke L.; Bilenker, Laura D.; Simon, Adam C.; Reich, Martin; Barra, Fernando; Deditius, Artur P.; Wälle, Markus; Heinrich, Christoph A.; Holtz, François; Munizaga, Rodrigo

2015-12-01

Iron oxide-apatite (IOA) deposits are an important source of iron and other elements (e.g., REE, P, U, Ag and Co) vital to modern society. However, their formation, including the namesake Kiruna-type IOA deposit (Sweden), remains controversial. Working hypotheses include a purely magmatic origin involving separation of an Fe-, P-rich, volatile-rich oxide melt from a Si-rich silicate melt, and precipitation of magnetite from an aqueous ore fluid, which is either of magmatic-hydrothermal or non-magmatic surface or metamorphic origin. In this study, we focus on the geochemistry of magnetite from the Cretaceous Kiruna-type Los Colorados IOA deposit (∼350 Mt Fe) located in the northern Chilean Iron Belt. Los Colorados has experienced minimal hydrothermal alteration that commonly obscures primary features in IOA deposits. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) transects and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) wavelength-dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectrometry mapping demonstrate distinct chemical zoning in magnetite grains, wherein cores are enriched in Ti, Al, Mn and Mg. The concentrations of these trace elements in magnetite cores are consistent with igneous magnetite crystallized from a silicate melt, whereas magnetite rims show a pronounced depletion in these elements, consistent with magnetite grown from an Fe-rich magmatic-hydrothermal aqueous fluid. Further, magnetite grains contain polycrystalline inclusions that re-homogenize at magmatic temperatures (>850 °C). Smaller inclusions (<5 μm) contain halite crystals indicating a saline environment during magnetite growth. The combination of these observations are consistent with a formation model for IOA deposits in northern Chile that involves crystallization of magnetite microlites from a silicate melt, nucleation of aqueous fluid bubbles on magnetite surfaces, and formation and ascent of buoyant fluid bubble-magnetite aggregates. Decompression of the fluid-magnetite aggregate during ascent along regional-scale transcurrent faults promotes continued growth of the magmatic magnetite microlites from the Fe-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluid, which manifests in magnetite rims that have trace element abundances consistent with growth from a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid. Mass balance calculations indicate that this process can leach and transport sufficient Fe from a magmatic source to form large IOA deposits such as Los Colorados. Furthermore, published experimental data demonstrate that a saline magmatic-hydrothermal ore fluid will scavenge significant quantities of metals such as Cu and Au from a silicate melt, and when combined with solubility data for Fe, Cu and Au, it is plausible that the magmatic-hydrothermal ore fluid that continues to ascend from the IOA depositional environment can retain sufficient concentrations of these metals to form iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits at lateral and/or stratigraphically higher levels in the crust. Notably, this study provides a new discrimination diagram to identify magnetite from Kiruna-type deposits and to distinguish them from IOCG, porphyry and Fe-Ti-V/P deposits, based on low Cr (<100 ppm) and high V (>500 ppm) concentrations.

Geology of the Barite Hill gold-silver deposit in the southern Carolina slate belt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, S.H.B.; Gray, K.J.; Back, J.M.

1999-01-01

Barite Hill is a stratiform gold-silver deposit associated with base metal sulfides and barite in greenschist facies rocks. The deposit, southernmost of four recently mined gold deposits in the Carolina slate belt, is located in the Lincolnton-McCormick district of Georgia and South Carolina, which includes several known gold-silver and base metal deposits in a Kuroko-type geological setting along with deposits of kyanite and manganese. Approximately 1,835,000 g of gold was produced mainly from oxidized ores in the Main and Rainsford pits from 1990 until their closing in 1994. Ore is hosted by sericitically altered felsic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Late Proterozoic Persimmon Fork Formation. The deposit is stratigraphically below an overturned contact between upper and lower pyroclastic units, which overlie the Lincolnton metarhyolite, an intrusive unit. Gold-silver-rich zones in the Main pit are partly coincident with lenses of siliceous barite rock, but not confined to them, and occur more commonly in pyrite-quartz-altered fragmental rock. The Main pit ore is stratigraphically overlain by a zone of base metal and barite enrichment, which is, in turn, overlain by a talc-tremolite alteration zone locally. Siliceous barite zones are absent in the Rainsford pit, and gold-silver minerals are associated with silicified rocks and chert. The Barite Hill deposit is interpreted to be the result of Kuroko-type, volcanogenic, base metal sulfide mineralization, followed by gold-silver mineralization under epithermal conditions with the following stages of evolution: (1) massive sulfides, barite, and fine-grained siliceous exhalites were deposited during Late Proterozoic to Cambrian submarine volcanism, which was related to plate convergence and subduction in a microcontinental or island-arc setting distant from the North American continental plate; (2) Au-Ag-Te and base and precious metal Te-Se-Bi minerals were deposited either during waning stages of hydrothermal activity in a failed massive sulfide system or in a separate event; (3) sulfides and silica-barite rock recrystallized during regional deformation and greenschist facies metamorphism related to the Middle to Late Ordovician collision of the Carolina terrane with the North American continental plate; (4) quartz, barite, and gold were remobilized and formed veins that cut across cleavage; (5) orebodies were offset along high-angle faults; and (6) during weathering, base metal sulfides and barite dissolved and reprecipitated as supergene euhedral barite crystals that line ferric iron oxide-hydroxide gossans.

Komatiites and nickel sulfide ores of the Black Swan area, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. 3: Komatiite geochemistry, and implications for ore forming processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Stephen J.; Hill, Robin E. T.; Evans, Noreen J.

2004-11-01

The Black Swan komatiite sequence is a package of dominantly olivine-rich cumulates with lesser volumes of spinifex textured rocks, interpreted as a section through an extensive komatiite lava flow field. The sequence hosts a number of nickel sulfide orebodies, including the Silver Swan massive shoot and the Cygnet and Black Swan disseminated orebodies. A large body of whole rock analyses on komatiitic rocks from the Black Swan area has been filtered for metasomatic effects. With the exception of mobile elements such as Ca and alkalis, most samples retain residual igneous geochemistry, and can be modelled predominantly by fractionation and accumulation of olivine. Whole rock MgO FeO relationships imply a relatively restricted range of olivine compositions, more primitive than the olivine which would have been in equilibrium with the transporting komatiite lavas, and together with textural data indicate that much of the cumulus olivine in the sequence was transported. Flow top compositions show evidence for chromite saturation, but the cumulates are deficient in accumulated chromite. Chromite compositions are typical of those found in compound flow-facies komatiites, and are distinct from those in komatiitic dunite bodies. Incompatible trace element abundances show three superimposed influences: control by the relative proportion of olivine to liquid; a signature of crustal contamination and an overprint of metasomatic introduction of LREE, Zr and Th. This overprint is most evident in cumulates, and relatively insignificant in the spinifex rocks. Platinum and palladium behaved as incompatible elements and are negatively correlated with MgO. They show no evidence for wholesale depletion due to sulfide extraction, which was evidently restricted to specific lava tubes or pathways. The lack of correspondence between PGE depletion and contamination by siliceous material implies that contamination alone is insufficient to generate S-saturation and ore formation in the absence of sulfide in the assimilant. Contamination signatures in spinifex-textured rocks may be a guide to Ni-sulfide mineralisation, but are not entirely reliable in the absence of other evidence. The widespread vesicularity of the sequence may be attributable to assimilated water rather than to primary mantle-derived volatiles, and cannot be taken as evidence for primary volatile-rich magmas. The characteristic signature of the Black Swan Succession is the presence of highly localised disseminated sulfide within a sequence showing more widespread evidence for crustal contamination and interaction with its immediate substrate. This has important implications for the applicability of trace element geochemistry in exploration for komatiite-hosted nickel deposits.

Iron isotope behavior during fluid/rock interaction in K-feldspar alteration zone - A model for pyrite in gold deposits from the Jiaodong Peninsula, East China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhi-Yong; Jiang, Shao-Yong; Mathur, Ryan; Cook, Nigel J.; Yang, Tao; Wang, Meng; Ma, Liang; Ciobanu, Cristiana L.

2018-02-01

Mechanisms for Fe isotope fractionation in hydrothermal mineral deposits and in zones of associated K-feldspar alteration remain poorly constrained. We have analyzed a suite of bulk samples consisting of granite displaying K-feldspar alteration, Precambrian metamorphic rocks, and pyrite from gold deposits of the Jiaodong Peninsula, East China, by multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Pyrites from disseminated (J-type) ores show a δ56Fe variation from +0.01 to +0.64‰, overlapping with the signature of the host granites (+0.08 to +0.39‰). In contrast, pyrites from quartz veins (L-type ores) show a wide range of Fe-isotopic composition from -0.78 to +0.79‰. Negative values are never seen in the J-type pyrites. The Fe isotope signature of the host granite with K-feldspar alteration is significantly heavier than that of the bulk silicate Earth. The Fe isotopic compositions of Precambrian metamorphic rocks across the district display a narrow range between -0.16‰ and +0.19‰, which is similar to most terrestrial rocks. Concentrations of major and trace elements in bulk samples were also determined, so as to evaluate any correlation between Fe isotope composition and degree of alteration. We note that during progressive K-feldspar alteration to rocks containing >70 wt% SiO2, >75 ppm Rb, and <1.2 wt% total Fe2O3, the Fe isotope composition of the granite changes systematically. The Fe isotope signature becomes heavier as the degree of alteration increases. The extremely light Fe isotopic compositions in L-type gold deposits may be explained by Rayleigh fractionation during pyrite precipitation in an open fracture system. We note that the sulfur isotopic compositions of pyrite in the two types of ores are also different. Pyrite from J-type ores has a systematically 3.5‰-higher δ34S value (11.2‰) than those of pyrite from the L-type ores (7.7‰). There is, however, no correlation between Fe and S isotope signatures. The isotopic fractionation of sulfur is used to constrain a change in the fO2 of the hydrothermal fluids from which pyrite precipitated. This work demonstrates that the Fe isotope composition of pyrite displays a significant response to the process of pyrite precipitation in hydrothermal systems, and that systematic fractionation of iron isotopes occurs during fluid/rock reaction in the K-feldspar alteration zone of the Linglong granite. The implications of the results are that processes of mineralization and associated fluid-rock interaction, which are ubiquitously observed in porphyry-style Cu-Au-Mo and other hydrothermal deposits, may be readily traceable using Fe isotopes.

Comparison of the mineralogy of the Boss-Bixby, Missouri copper-iron deposit, and the Olympic Dam copper-uranium-gold deposit, South Australia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brandom, R.T.; Hagni, R.D.; Allen, C.R.

1985-01-01

An ore microscopic examination of 80 polished sections prepared from selected drill core specimens from the Boss-Bixby, Missouri copper-iron deposit has shown that its mineral assemblage is similar to that of the Olympic Dam (Roxby Downs) copper-uranium-gold deposit in South Australia. A comparison with the mineralogy reported for Olympic Dam shows that both deposits contain: 1) the principal minerals, magnetite, hematite, chalcopyrite, and bornite, 2) the cobalt-bearing phases, carrollite and cobaltian pyrite, 3) the titanium oxides, rutile and anatase, 4) smaller amounts of martite, covellite, and electrum, 5) fluorite and carbonates, and 6) some alteration minerals. The deposits also aremore » similar with regard to the sequence of mineral deposition: 1) early oxides, 2) then sulfide minerals, and 3) a final oxide generation. The deposits, however, are dissimilar with regard to their host rock lithologies and structural settings. The Boss-Bixby ores occupy breccia zones within a hydrothermally altered basic intrusive and intruded silicic volcanics, whereas the Olympic Dam ores are contained in sedimentary breccias in a graben or trough. Also, some minerals have been found thus far to occur at only one of the deposits. The similarity of mineralogy in these deposits suggests that they were formed from ore fluids that had some similarities in character and that the St. Francois terrane of Missouri is an important region for further exploration for deposits with this mineral assemblage.« less

Effects of Sodium Citrate on the Ammonium Sulfate Recycled Leaching of Low-Grade Zinc Oxide Ores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kun; Li, Shi-wei; Zhang, Li-bo; Peng, Jin-hui; Ma, Ai-yuan; Wang, Bao-bao

2016-03-01

The effects of sodium citrate on ammonium sulfate recycled leaching of low-grade zinc oxide ores were studied. By applying various kinds of detection and analysis techniques such as chemical composition analysis, chemical phase method, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transforming infrared spectrum (FT-IR), zinc raw ore, its leaching slag and the functional mechanism of sodium citrate were investigated. Based on a comprehensive analysis, it can be concluded that in contrast to hemimorphite (Zn4Si2O7(OH)2 · H2O), amorphous smithsonite (ZnCO3) and zinc silicate (Zn2SiO4) prove to be refractory phases under ammonium sulfate leaching, while sodium citrate has a better chelating action with the refractory phases, resulting in a higher zinc leaching rate. Under conditions of [NH3]/[NH3]T molar ratio being 0.5, [NH3]T being 7.5 mol/L, [Na3C6H5O7] being 0.2 mol/L, S/L ratio being 1:5, temperature being 303 K, holding time being 1 h in each of the two stages, and stirring rate being 300 rpm, the leaching rate of zinc reached 93.4%. In this article, sulfate ammonium recycled technology also reveals its unique advantage in processing low-grade zinc oxide ores accompanied by high silicon and high alkaline gangue.

The preliminary result of the δ65Cu and δ34S values of major ore minerals in the Erdenetiin-Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit, Northern Mongolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

KIM, Y.; Lee, I.; Oyungerel, S.; Jargal, L.; Tsedenbal, T.; Ryu, J. S.

2016-12-01

The copper isotope (δ65Cu) and sulfur isotope (δ34S) compositions of major ore minerals from the Erdenetiin-Ovoo Cu-Mo porphyry deposit were measured to trace sources of copper and sulfur, and to evaluate the precipitation environment of ore minerals. The major ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite and chalcocite developed in the QSP (Quartz-Sericite-Pyrite) alteration zone. The sulfide minerals such as sphalerite and covellite, and carbonate ore minerals like malachite, azurite are also identified. The copper isotope ratios (65Cu/63Cu) of copper ore minerals (chalcopyrite, chalcocite, malachite, azurite, covellite and chrysocolla) were analyzed by the MC-ICPMS in KBSI located in Ochang, South Korea. The measured δ65Cu values relative to NIST 976 range from -1.01 ‰ to 5.76 ‰. The average δ65Cu values of sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite (1.03 ‰), chalcocite (0.62 ‰) and covellite (0.51 ‰) seem to be relatively lower than those of carbonate and silicate Cu minerals such as malachite (0.24 ‰), azurite (2.17 ‰) and chrysocolla (5.76 ‰). The sulfur isotope ratios (34S/32S) of major sulfide minerals were measured by EA-CF-IRMS (Elemental Analyzer - Continuous Flow - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer) in NCIRF, Seoul National University. The average δ34SV-CDT value is -1.1 ‰ indicating the magmatic signature of sulfur. There is the difference of δ34S values between sulfide minerals. While the δ34S values of pyrite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite range from -0.9 to 0.8 ‰, the δ34S values of chalcocite range from -2.6 ‰ to -1.4 ‰. These lower values might be attributed to the sulfur isotope fractionation during its precipitation.

Ore deposits and epithermal evidences associated with intra-magmatic faults at Aïn El Araâr-Oued Belif ring structure (NW of Tunisia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aissa, Wiem Ben; Aissa, Lassaâd Ben; Amara, Abdesslem Ben Haj; Tlig, Said; Alouani, Rabah

2017-03-01

Hydrothermal ore deposits at Aïn El Araâr-Oued Belif location are classified as epithermal deposits type. The ore bodies are hosted by upper Turonian (8-9 M.y) volcanic rhyodacitic complex. Polymetallic sulfide orebodies are mainly concentrated within intra-magmatic faults. Petrographic, XRD, and TEM-STEM investigations revealed that ore minerals are essentially, arsenopyrite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, hematite, goethite and magnetite with Au, Ag and Pt trace metals. Gangue minerals are mainly adularia, quartz, sericite, alunite, tridymite, chlorite, phlogopite and smectite. Epithermal alteration is well zoned with four successive characteristic zones: (1) zone of quartz-adularia-sericite and rare alunite; (2) zone of kaolinite and plagioclase albitization; (3) intermediate zone of illite-sericite; (4) sapropelic alteration type zone of chlorite-smectite and rare illite. This can be interpreted as a telescoping of two different acidity epithermal phases; low sulfidation (adularia-sericite) and high sulfidation (quartz-alunite), separated in time or due to a gradual increase of fluids acidity and oxicity within the same mineralization phase. Brecciated macroscopic facies with fragments hosting quartz-adularia-sericite minerals (low-sulfidation phase) without alunite, support the last hypothesis. Geodynamic context and mineral alteration patterns are closely similar to those of Maria Josefa gold mine at SE of Spain which exhibit a volcanic-hosted epithermal ore deposit in a similar vein system, within rhyolitic ignimbrites, altered to an argillic assemblage (illite-sericite abundant and subordinate kaolinite) that grades outwards into propylitic alteration (Sanger-von Oepen et al. (1990)). Mineralogical and lithologic study undertaken in the volcanic host rock at Aïn El Araâr-Oued Belif reveals a typical epithermal low-sulfidation and high-sulfidation ore deposits with dominance of low-sulfidation. Host rocks in these systems range from silicic to intermediate for adularia-sericite type (low sulfidation) to rhyodacite for quartz-alunite type (high sulfidation).

Physical-chemical conditions of ore deposition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barton, P.B.

1981-01-01

Ore deposits form under a wide range of physical and chemical conditions, but those precipitating from hot, aqueous fluids-i.e. the hydrothermal deposits-form generally below 700??C and at pressures of only 1 or 2 kbar or less. Natural aqueous fluids in rocks may extract metal and sulfur from a variety of rock types or may acquire them as a residual heritage from a crystallizing silicate magma. Ore-forming hydrothermal fluids never appear as hot springs (except in deep, submarine situations) because they boil, mix with surface waters, and cool, thereby losing their ore-bearing ability before reaching the surface. Mineral systems function as chemical buffers and indicators just as buffers and indicators function in a chemical laboratory. By reading the record written in the buffer/indicator assemblages of minerals one can reconstruct many aspects of the former chemical environment. By studying the record of changing conditions one may deduce information regarding the processes functioning to create the succession of chemical environments and the ore deposits they represent. The example of the OH vein at Creede, Colorado, shows a pH buffered by the K-feldspar + muscovite + quartz assemblage and the covariation of S2 and O2 buffered by the assemblage chlorite + pyrite + quartz. Boiling of the ore fluid led to its oxidation to hematite-bearing assemblages and simultaneously produced an intensely altered, sericitic capping over the vein in response to the condensation of vapors bearing acidic components. The solubility of metals as calculated from experimental and theoretical studies of mineral solubility appears too low by at least one or two powers of ten to explain the mineralization at Creede. In contrast to Creede where the mineral stabilities all point to a relatively consistent chemistry, the Mississippi Valley type deposits present a puzzle of conflicting chemical clues that are impossible to reconcile with any single equilibrium situation. Thus we must seriously consider metastable equilibria; those most likely involve redox disequilibrium among the sulfur species in solution and perhaps also involve organic compounds. ?? 1981.

Geochemistry of the furnace magnetite bed, Franklin, New Jersey, and the relationship between stratiform iron oxide ores and stratiform zinc oxide-silicate ores in the New Jersey highlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, C.A.; Skinner, B.J.

2003-01-01

The New Jersey Highlands terrace, which is an exposure of the Middle Proterozoic Grenville orogenic belt located in northeastern United States, contains stratiform zinc oxide-silicate deposits at Franklin and Sterling Hill and numerous massive magnetite deposits. The origins of the zinc and magnetite deposits have rarely been considered together, but a genetic link is suggested by the occurrence of the Furnace magnetite bed and small magnetite lenses immediately beneath the Franklin zinc deposit. The Furnace bed was metamorphosed and deformed along with its enclosing rocks during the Grenvillian orogeny, obscuring the original mineralogy and obliterating the original rock fabrics. The present mineralogy is manganiferous magnetite plus calcite. Trace hydrous silicates, some coexisting with fluorite, have fluorine contents that are among the highest ever observed in natural assemblages. Furnace bed calcite has ??13C values of -5 ?? 1 per mil relative to Peedee belemnite (PDB) and ??18O values of 11 to 20 per mil relative to Vienna-standard mean ocean water (VSMOW). The isotopic compositions do not vary as expected for an original siderite layer that decarbonated during metamorphism, but they are consistent with nearly isochemical metamorphism of an iron oxide + calcite protolith that is chemically and minerlogically similar to iron-rich sediments found near the Red Sea brine pools and isotopically similar to Superior-type banded iron formations. Other magniferous magnite + calcite bodies occur at approximately the same stratigraphic position as far 50 km from the zinc deposits. A model is presented in which the iron and zinc deposits formed along the western edge of a Middle Proterozoic marine basin. Zinc was transported by sulfate-stable brines and was precipitated under sulfate-stable conditions as zincian carbonates and Fe-Mn-Zn oxides and silicates. Whether the zincian assemblages settled from the water column or formed by replacement reactions in shallowly buried sediments is uncertain. The iron deposits formed at interfaces between anoxic and oxygenated waters. The Furnace magnetite bed resulted from seawater oxidation of hydrothermally transported iron near a brine conduit. Iron deposits also formed regionally on the basin floor at the interface betveen anoxic deep waters and oxygenated shallower waters. These deposits include not only manganiferous magnetite + calcite bodies similar to the Furnace magnetite bed but also silicate-facies deposits that formed by iron oxide accumulation where detrital sediment was abundant. A basin margin model can be extended to Grenvillian stratiform deposits in the northwest Adirondacks of New York and the Mont Laurier basin of Quebec. In these areas iron deposits (pyrite or magnetite) are found basinward of marble-hosted sphalerite deposits, such as those in the Balmat-Edwards district. Whether the iron and zinc precipitated as sulfide assemblages or carbonate-oxide-silicate assemblages depended on whether sufficient organic matter or other reductants were available in local sediments or bottom waters to stabilize H2S.

Developmental Origins of the Other-Race Effect

PubMed Central

Anzures, Gizelle; Quinn, Paul C.; Pascalis, Olivier; Slater, Alan M.; Tanaka, James W.; Lee, Kang

2013-01-01

The other-race effect (ORE) in face recognition refers to better recognition memory for faces of one’s own race than faces of another race—a common phenomenon among individuals living in primarily mono-racial societies. In this article, we review findings suggesting that early visual and sociocultural experiences shape one’s processing of familiar and unfamiliar race classes and give rise to the ORE within the 1st year of life. However, despite its early development, the ORE can be prevented, attenuated, and even reversed given experience with a novel race class. Social implications of the ORE are discussed in relation to development of race-based preferences for social partners and racial prejudices. PMID:24049246

Are modern geothermal waters in northwest Nevada forming epithermal gold deposits?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breit, George N.; Hunt, Andrew G.; Wolf, Ruth E.; Koenig, Alan E.; Fifarek, Richard; Coolbaugh, Mark F.

2010-01-01

Hydrothermal systems currently are active near some gold deposits in northwestern Nevada. Possible links of these modern systems to gold mineralization were evaluated by chemically and isotopically analyzing water samples from the Brady, Dixie Valley, Humboldt House, San Emidio-Empire, Soda Lake, and Wabuska geothermal areas. In addition, quartz veins from Humboldt House and the adjacent Florida Canyon Mine were analyzed to compare ore and gangue phases with those predicted to form from proximal hydrothermal fluids.Nearly all water samples are alkali-chloride-type. Total dissolved solids range from 800 to 3900 mg/L, and pH varies from 5.6 to 7.8. Geochemical modeling with SOLVEQ, WATCH, and CHILLER predict the precipitation of silica in all systems during cooling. Anhydrite, calcite, barite, pyrite, base-metal sulfides, and alumino-silicates are variably saturated at calculated reservoir temperatures and also precipitate during boiling/cooling of some fluids. Measured dissolved gold concentrations are low (<0.2μg/L), but are generally consistent with contents predicted by equilibrium of sampled solutions with elemental gold at reservoir temperatures.  Although the modern geothermal waters can precipitate ore minerals, the low gold and other ore metal concentrations require very large fluid volumes to form a deposit of economic interest.

Nano- and microstructural disperse rocks in protective barriers, medicine and balneology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panko, A. V.; Kovzun, I. G.; Prokopenko, V. A.; Tsyganovich, O. A.; Oliinyk, V. O.; Nikipelova, O. M.

2018-03-01

On the base of results of electron microscopy, thermogravimetric, X-ray, rheological, mechanochemical and medico-biological research methods, there are proposed models of physico-mechanical, nanochemical, colloidal and biocolloid metamorphic processes of iron oxide-silicate rocks, which are accompanied by formation of nano- and microdispersed pelitic sediments, peloids (therapeutic muds), clays, sedimentary iron-silicate-carbonate ore materials. The role of microorganisms and surface-active products of their vital activity in these processes is shown. It was noted that a stable existence of ecosystems, which contain iron oxide-hydroxide-silicate polymineral formations, is largely determined by preliminary processes of geomechanical dispersion of rocks and by subsequent processes of vital activity of various microorganisms. The metabolic products of such microorganisms activate the biocolloid interactions, which are due to cooperative colloidal, biological, biochemical and nanochemical transformations of biogeocenosis of living and non-living substance. The conceptions of role and meaning of chemical and biocolloidal processes of iron and silicon nanocluster formation are developed for strength changes in contact zones of microparticles in polymineral dispersion systems which, respectively, have an influence on their rheological properties. It is shown that in the presence of sodium chloride (seawater, lake's brine) for low-iron clay-sand systems, a dilatant-thixotropic nature of the flow is observed, and at a high-iron content in the form of nanostructured goethite, a hypernomalous growth of concentrated iron-silicate suspensions' viscosity and enhancement of contact interactions in them are observed. Taking into account the established phenomena the application of iron oxide-silicate peloid compositions in the construction of protective barriers, in medicine and balneology (treatment of injured joints, wounds, leukemia, etc.) is considered.

Lithologic and structural controls of limestone-hosted Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization in Chihuahua, Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lofquist, D.J.; Ruiz, J.

1985-01-01

The state of Chihuahua contains some of the most important limestone-hosted ore deposits in Mexico. The best example are Santa Eulalia and Naica which together have produced 53 million tons or ore averaging 7.7% Pb, 6.4% Zn, and 280 g/ton Ag. These deposits occur as mantos and chimneys often accompanied by calc-silicates. Among the most critical questions in this type of deposit is the control that the limestone-host exerts on the mineralizing process. Here the authors present the first detailed data on the stratigraphic and lithologic character of the limestone-hosts at Naica and Santa Eulalia. All ore at Naica andmore » Santa Eulalia is hosted by micrites, biomicrites and biosparites indicative of generally quiet marine deposition. The authors work suggests that the western edge of the this trough might be a low angle, east dipping ramp which extends below the Sierra Madre Occidental. The primary permeability of the limestone that hosts Naica and Santa Eulalia is in the micro to nanodarcy range. The effective permeability has been augmented by 3 or 4 stages of micro-fracturing. Most of the ore is controlled by these fractures and by felsic dikes, which in cases are mostly endoskarn. Stylolites also appear to have exerted a control on the mineralizing process. Numerous instances of alteration and recrystallization confined to one side of a horizontal stylolite have been noted. At Santa Eulalia, horizontal stylolites have controlled the emplacement of massive sulfide mantos, suggesting that the mineralizing process was rather passive.« less

Nickel-cobalt laterites: a deposit model: Chapter H in Mineral deposit models for resource assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marsh, Erin; Anderson, Eric J.; Gray, Floyd

2013-01-01

Nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) laterite deposits are supergene enrichments of Ni±Co that form from intense chemical and mechanical weathering of ultramafic parent rocks. These regolith deposits typically form within 26 degrees of the equator, although there are a few exceptions. They form in active continental margins and stable cratonic settings. It takes as little as one million years for a laterite profile to develop. Three subtypes of Ni-Co laterite deposits are classified according to the dominant Ni-bearing mineralogy, which include hydrous magnesium (Mg)-silicate, smectite, and oxide. These minerals form in weathering horizons that begin with the unweathered protolith at the base, saprolite next, a smectite transition zone only in profiles where drainage is very poor, followed by limonite, and then capped with ferricrete at the top. The saprolite contains Ni-rich hydrous Mg-silicates, the Ni-rich clays occur in the transition horizon, and Ni-rich goethite occurs in the limonite. Although these subtypes of deposits are the more widely used terms for classification of Ni-Co laterite deposits, most deposits have economic concentrations of Ni in more than one horizon. Because of their complex mineralogy and heterogeneous concentrations, mining of these metallurgically complex deposits can be challenging. Deposits range in size from 2.5 to about 400 million tonnes, with Ni and Co grades of 0.66–2.4 percent (median 1.3) and 0.01–0.15 percent (median 0.08), respectively. Modern techniques of ore delineation and mineralogical identification are being developed to aid in streamlining the Ni-Co laterite mining process, and low-temperature and low-pressure ore processing techniques are being tested that will treat the entire weathered profile. There is evidence that the production of Ni and Co from laterites is more energy intensive than that of sulfide ores, reflecting the environmental impact of producing a Ni-Co laterite deposit. Tailings may include high levels of magnesium, sulfate, and manganese and have the potential to be physically unstable.

Use of barium-strontium carbonatite for flux welding and surfacing of mining machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kryukov, R. E.; Kozyrev, N. A.; Usoltsev, A. A.

2017-09-01

The results of application of barium-strontium carbonatite for modifying and refining iron-carbon alloys, used for welding and surfacing in ore mining and smelting industry, are generalized. The technology of manufacturing a flux additive containing 70 % of barium-strontium carbonatite and 30 % of liquid glass is proposed. Several compositions of welding fluxes based on silicomanganese slag were tested. The flux additive was introduced in an amount of 1, 3, 5 %. Technological features of welding with the application of the examined fluxes are determined. X-ray spectral analysis of the chemical composition of examined fluxes, slag crusts and weld metal was carried out, as well as metallographic investigations of welded joints. The principal possibility of applying barium-strontium carbonatite as a refining and gas-protective additive for welding fluxes is shown. The use of barium-strontium carbonatite reduces the contamination of the weld seam with nonmetallic inclusions: non-deforming silicates, spot oxides and brittle silicates, and increases the desulfurizing capacity of welding fluxes.

An appraisal of biological responses and network of environmental interactions in non-mining and mining impacted coastal waters.

PubMed

Fernandes, Christabelle E G; Malik, Ashish; Jineesh, V K; Fernandes, Sheryl O; Das, Anindita; Pandey, Sunita S; Kanolkar, Geeta; Sujith, P P; Velip, Dhillan M; Shaikh, Shagufta; Helekar, Samita; Gonsalves, Maria Judith; Nair, Shanta; LokaBharathi, P A

2015-08-01

The coastal waters of Goa and Ratnagiri lying on the West coast of India are influenced by terrestrial influx. However, Goa is influenced anthropogenically by iron-ore mining, while Ratnagiri is influenced by deposition of heavy minerals containing iron brought from the hinterlands. We hypothesize that there could be a shift in biological response along with changes in network of interactions between environmental and biological variables in these mining and non-mining impacted regions, lying 160 nmi apart. Biological and environmental parameters were analyzed during pre-monsoon season. Except silicates, the measured parameters were higher at Goa and related significantly, suggesting bacteria centric, detritus-driven region. At Ratnagiri, phytoplankton biomass related positively with silicate suggesting a region dominated by primary producers. This dominance perhaps got reflected as a higher tertiary yield. Thus, even though the regions are geographically proximate, the different biological response could be attributed to the differences in the web of interactions between the measured variables.

Fluid Sources at the Panasqueira Tungsten-Vein Deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecumberri-Sanchez, P.; Heinrich, C. A.; Wälle, M.; Codeço, M.; Weis, P.; Pinto, F.; Vieira, R.

2017-12-01

Panasqueira is a world-class tungsten-vein deposit. Several paragenetic stages have been proposed (Polya et al., 2000) including two pre-ore stages (crack-seal quartz-seam, and muscovite selvages) and four ore stages (main oxide-silicate stage, main sulfide stage, pyrrhotite alteration stage, and late carbonate stage). In this study, compositions of the mineralizing fluids at Panasqueira have been determined by a combination of detailed petrography, microthermometric measurements and LA-ICPMS analyses. We have characterized the fluids related to several mineralizing stages and determined the information they provide about the fluid sources in this system. Three fluid generations recorded in pseudosecondary to secondary fluid inclusions have been identified at Panasqueira. The first fluid generation identified consists of CO2-bearing fluid inclusions with homogenization temperatures ranging between 260 and 320 °C and salinities between 5 and 8 eq wt % NaCl. Petrographic constraints indicate that this first generation (1) is paragenetically related to the main oxide-silicate stage. Two lower-temperature CO2-absent fluid generations (2a and 2b) have been identified and are represented by secondary fluid inclusions postdating the main oxide-silicate stage. This stage was likely trapped under high pressures and lithostatic conditions (Jacques and Pascal, 2017). Generation (2a) consists of high-salinity (20-30 eq wt % NaCl) fluids with homogenization temperatures ranging between 180°C and 250°C. Generation (2b) consists of low-salinity (<2 wt %) low homogenization temperature (100-150°C) fluid inclusions. Conclusive petrographic evidence of the relationship between these two late-stage fluid generations and specific late mineral stages are scarce. However, fluid compositions suggests that generation (2a) is related to the main sulfide stage and generation (2b) is related to the late carbonate stage. The PTX evolution of fluids at Panasqueira indicate a transition from magmatic dominated fluids to a likely influx of non-magmatic fluids at least in the latest stages of mineralization (main sulfide stage and late carbonate stage) which is in good agreement with recent results from isotopic studies (Codeço et al., 2017).

Enigma of lamprohyres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasyukova, Elena

2013-04-01

Till now lamprophyres are 'the camera obscure' in petrology. There is no the complete agreement about the origin, classification, genetic links and their role in the ore formation processes yet. Traditionally ca-alkaline lamprophyres associated with the diorites, syenites and granitoids. But modern studies show the geochronological, geochemical and isotopic evidences of the genetic links between lamprophyres and carbonatites (Woodard, 2010;.Coulson et al., 2003) and as a consequence the formation of REE-ore deposits. These authors explain the origin of lamprophyres and carbonatites by the different melting degrees of the metasomatised mantle. In this work we found another mechanism of their generation - the liquation of carbonate-silica melt. Within the area of Chuya complex (South-East Altai-North-West Mongolia) the lamphrophyric dykes are distributed irregularly and create the belts or series of bodies located next to the faults of different order. We studied about 30 dykes from three different areas (South Chuya, Yustyd, Aktash) and related rocks from the Tarakhata intrusion. Very similar rock and mineral composition, close time-space characteristics allow us to suggest their comagmatic nature. In the lamprophyres of South-Chuya area there are strong petrography evidences of liquation of carbonate-silicate melt during their evolution. The ocellar structures with the ocelli composed by the silicate mineral and inter globule material represented by carbonates with ore and other nonmetallic minerals. One of them is Ba-celestine which compiles the intergranular space, veinlets and pseudomorphoses after the silicates. It associates with the apatites, quartz, chlorite, carbonates (calcite and dolomite) and oxides (magnetite, goethite, chromite etc). The multi-element and rare-earth diagrams of all investigated rocks are equal in the form, at the position of HFSE minima, high La/Yb and Gd/Yb relations, except the Ba and Sr anomalies. In the graphs of the south-chuya area rocks, where Ba-celestine was found, marked Ba and Sr minima. Accordingly this fact Ba and Sr couldn't be brought into the system. And Ba-celestine is the residual sign of the segregated liquid, enriched in Ba, Sr, Ca ? P. 1. Rock, N. M. S., 1991. Lamprophyres. Blackie and Son Ltd, Glasgow and London, 285 pp. 2. J. Woodard Genesis and Emplacement of Carbonatites and Lamprophyres in the Svecophennian Domain, Academic Dissertation, University of Turku, Finland, 50 p., 2010 3. I.M.Coulson, K.M. Goodenough, N.J.G. Pearce, M.J. Leng Carbonatites and lamprophyres of the Gardar Province - a "window" to the sub-Gardar mantle? // Mineralogical Magazine, October 2003, Vol. 67(5), pp. 855-872. 4. McDonough, W.F. and Sun, S.-S. (1995). Composition of the Earth. Chemical Geology 120: 223-253. doi: 10.1016/0009-2541(94)00140-4.

Beneficiation and agglomeration of manganese ore fines (an area so important and yet so ignored)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sane, R.

2018-01-01

Unpredictable changes in demand and prices varying from very attractive to depressing levels have thrown all Manganese ore mines out of normal operating gear. The supply has to be in time-bound fashion, of dependable quality and continuous. With setting-up of numerous small units and with existing ferro-alloy units, ore supply has become extremely sensitive issue. Due to unpredictable swing in price of Mn ore lumps, furnace operators found it economic and convenient to use fines, even at great risks to furnace equipment and operating persons and therefore risks & damages were conveniently & comfortably ignored. Beneficiation Cost(Operating) approx. - (ferruginous ore) - Roast reduction followed by magnetic separation route-particulars - Water 20/-, Power 490/-, Coal fines-675/-, OH-250/-totaling to Rs.1435/T. (Figures are based on actual data from investigations on Orissa & Karnataka sector ores). Feed Grade Mn- 28 to 32 %, Fe - 14 to 25 %, Concentrate (Beneficiated ore fines)- - Mn- 45 to 48 %, Fe - 6 to 8 %., Recovery - 35 %, Price of 28-30 % Mn ore fines = Rs. 2400/T, Cost of Concentrated fines (45/48% Mn grade) = Rs. 8300/T, Price of 47-48 % Mn Lumpy ore = Rs.11,000/T. Sintering Cost (Operating) - Approx-Rs.1195=00/T Sinter. Therefore cost of Sinter produced from beneficiated concentrate is 9130+1195 = Rs. 10325. The difference in cost of 48%Mn ore Lumps & 48%Mn sintered concentrate = 11000-10325 = Rs.675/T. The main purpose of this paper is to show that establishment of beneficiation unit & Sintering unit is economically feasible. There are many misconcepts, still prevailing, about use of Mn ore sinters. Few of the main misconcepts are- 1)Sinters bring no benefit - technical or economical.2) Sinters are very friable and disintegrate easily into high fines during handling/transportation. 3) Fines below 100 mesh cannot be sintered. 4) Silica increases to high level during sintering, resulting in to high slag volume thereby higher power consumption. All are false. Sinters have already been proved to bring enormous technical benefits in smelting operation. However small mine owners find it practically impossible to set up a small beneficiation and/or sintering unit at mine site. Recent advances in dry or pneumatic separation which depends on density difference between valuable mineral and gangue/waste rock, are proving to be advantageous & effective because of its small capacity. Capacity is 5 T/hr or 10 T/hr. When applied to low grade high silica Iron ores Iron content has been found to be enhanced by 8 to 10 % from 48% to 58 %, with overall wt. recovery of 60 to 70 %. Recently this technique was applied to low grade siliceous Mn ore with very encouraging results. Mn content has been found to be enhanced from 25 +/- 2 % to 37 +/- 2 % and with 50 to 65% wt. recovery. Size of feed is restricted to (i) 6 to 25 mm and (ii) 2 to 6 mm. Due to Modular design it is possible to put up units from 50 TPD to 800 TPD capacity.

Using melt inclusions and fluid inclusions to track ore-metal behavior in magma-hydrothermal systems (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowenstern, J. B.; Audétat, A.

2013-12-01

Melt and fluid inclusions yield important clues to the history of igneous melts and their related hydrothermal ore deposits (1). Under ideal conditions, melt inclusions in volcanic rocks yield data on the actual concentrations of ore metals and volatiles during instantaneous snapshots of crystallization and degassing. Their varying compositions can directly reflect sequestration of ore-metals in fractionating minerals and/or exsolving brines and vapors. Frequently, scientists compare the concentration of volatile elements in melt inclusions with their abundance in devolatilized matrix glass. Though this provides an informative qualitative overview of volatility, it is essentially impossible to use such data to calculate thermodynamically relevant partition coefficients. The resulting partitioning ratio instead represents fractionation over a wide range of pressures, and compositions (for both exsolved fluid and silicate melt). Ideally, workers should identify co-entrapped fluid and glass inclusions to provide more thermodynamically meaningful partitioning ratios for volatile metals and gases (2,3). Unfortunately, the occurrence of fluid inclusions co-entrapped with silicate melt is relatively rare, and studies of synthetic fluid and melt inclusions may be the most practical means of exploring the effect of crystallization and degassing in 'natural' systems. As with melt inclusions, under ideal conditions, fluid inclusions in intrusive rocks represent the compositions of fluids generated within associated magmatic-hydrothermal fluid systems. Multiple generations of cross-cutting fractures may be generated, resulting in trails of secondary and pseudosecondary inclusions in igneous minerals, and primary and secondary inclusions in hydrothermal assemblages. Chemistry of the fluids preserved within different inclusion generations will change markedly due to changes in magmatic temperature and pressure and mixing of diverse external fluids from meteoric and metamorphic sources. For example, ore elements sequestered by magmatic crystallization at high temperature may be liberated and re-transported by fluids upon magma cooling due to breakdown and dissolution of oxides and sulfides at low temperature. Both fluid and melt inclusions can be open to modification between initial formation and ultimate petrographic inspection. In melt inclusions, bubbles separate from glass and variably re-hydrate the glass during cooling. In addition, crystals can form and elements can diffuse between glass and host mineral. These problems are yet more exaggerated in intrusive rocks, but workers are still able to obtain useful information through meticulous inspection, categorization and analysis through diverse techniques. This presentation will review a variety of recent studies that illustrate these concepts and demonstrate how to extract useful information from inclusions from a variety of deposit types. (1) Audétat, A. & Lowenstern, J.B. (in press) Melt Inclusions. In Scott. S. (ed.) Geochemistry of Mineral Resources: Treatise of Geochemistry, 2nd edition. (2) Zajacz Z, et al. (2008) Geochim et Cosmochim.Acta, 72: 2169-2197. (3) Lerchbaumer, L. & Audétat, A., (2013) Econ. Geol. v. 108, p. 987-1013.

The partitioning behavior of silver in a vapor brine rhyolite melt assemblage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Adam C.; Pettke, Thomas; Candela, Philip A.; Piccoli, Philip M.

2008-03-01

The partitioning of silver in a sulfur-free rhyolite melt-vapor-brine assemblage has been quantified at 800 °C, pressures of 100 and 140 MPa and f≈NNO (nickel-nickel oxide). Silver solubility (±2 σ) in rhyolite increases 5-fold from 105 ± 21 to 675 ± 98 μg/g as pressure increases from 100 to 140 MPa. Nernst-type partition coefficients (DAgi,j±2σ) describing the mass transfer of silver at 100 MPa between vapor and melt, brine and melt and vapor and brine are 32 ± 30, 1151 ± 238 and 0.026 ± 0.004, respectively. At 140 MPa, values for DAgi,j(±2σ) for vapor and melt, brine and melt, and vapor and brine are 32 ± 10, 413 ± 172 and 0.06 ± 0.03, respectively. Apparent equilibrium constant values (±2 σ) describing the exchange of silver and sodium between vapor and melt, KAg,Nav/m, at 100 and 140 MPa are 105 ± 68 and 14 ± 6. The average values (±2 σ) for silver and sodium exchange between brine and melt, KAg,Nab/m, at 100 and 140 MPa are 313 ± 288 and 65 ± 12. These data indicate that the mass transfer of silver from rhyolite melt to an exsolved volatile phase(s) is enhanced at 100 MPa relative to 140 MPa, suggesting that decompression increases the silver ore-generative potential of an evolving silicate magma. Model calculations using the new data suggest that the evolution of low-density, aqueous fluid (i.e., vapor) may be responsible for the the silver tonnage of many porphyry-type and perhaps epithermal-type ore deposits. For example, Halter et al. (Halter W. E., Pettke T. and Heinrich C. A. (2002) The origin of Cu/Au ratios in porphyry-type ore deposits. Science296, 1842-1844) used detailed silicate and sulfide melt inclusion and vapor and brine fluid inclusions analyses to estimate a melt volume on the order of 15 km 3 to satisfy the copper budget at the Bajo de la Alumbrera copper-, gold-, silver-ore deposit. Using their melt volume estimate with the data presented here, model calculations for a 15-km 3 felsic melt, saturated with pyrrhotite and magnetite, suggest that a low-salinity magmatic vapor may scavenge on the order of 7 × 10 12 g of silver from the melt. This quantity of silver exceeds the discovered 2 × 10 9 g of Ag at Alumbrera. Calculated tonnages for numerous other deposits yield similar results. The excess silver in the vapor, remaining after porphyry formation, is then available to precipitate at lower PTconditions in the stratigraphically higher epithermal environment. These data suggest that silver, and perhaps other ore metals, in the porphyry-epithermal continuum may be derived solely from the time-integrated flux of dominantly low-salinity vapor exsolved from a series of sequential magma batches.

Rapid thermal rejuvenation of high-crystallinity magma linked to porphyry copper deposit formation; evidence from the Koloula Porphyry Prospect, Solomon Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapster, S.; Condon, D. J.; Naden, J.; Noble, S. R.; Petterson, M. G.; Roberts, N. M. W.; Saunders, A. D.; Smith, D. J.

2016-05-01

Magmas containing the components needed to form porphyry copper deposits are relatively common within arcs, yet mineralising events are uncommon within the long-lived magmatic systems that host them. Understanding what causes the transition from barren to productive intrusions is critical to the development of conceptual deposit models. We have constrained the tempo of pre- and syn-mineralisation magmatic events in relationship to the thermal evolution of the plutonic body that underlies one of the world's youngest exposed plutonic-porphyry systems, the Inamumu Zoned Pluton, Koloula Porphyry Prospect, Solomon Islands. High precision ID-TIMS U-Pb dates of texturally and chemically characterised zircons indicate pluton emplacement over <150 kyr was superseded after ca. 50 kyr by two discrete episodes of mineralising porphyritic melt emplacement. Their associated hydrothermal systems initiated within ca. 30 kyrs of each other. Zircon populations within evolved intrusions contain resorbed cores that were recycled from the deeper magmatic system, yet their youngest dates are statistically indistinguishable from those yielded by crystals lacking resorption. Comparisons of Ti-in-zircon proxy temperatures, modelled zircon saturation temperatures and temperature-crystallinity relationships suggest that prior to being heated and emplaced within the shallow level pluton, magmas were stored at depth in a high-crystallinity (>50% crystals) state, past the point of rheological lock-up. We estimate that thermal rejuvenation of the deeper high-crystallinity magma and generation of a mobile melt fraction may have occurred ≤10 kyr before its transport and emplacement within the porphyry environment. The underlying pluton likely cooled and returned to high-crystallinity states prior to subsequent remobilisation-emplacement events. Titanium-in-zircon geothermometry and whole-rock geochemistry suggest pre-mineralisation intrusions were remobilised by mixing of a silicic magma with a high-temperature, less-evolved melt. In contrast, syn-mineralisation melts were most likely remobilised by the percolation of hot volatiles exsolved from contemporaneous less-evolved intrusions cooling beneath the crystalline silicic magma. The evidence for the rapid thermal rejuvenation and long term storage of highly crystalline silicic magmas is consistent with previous studies that indicate two components of exsolved volatiles contribute to ore forming fluids. We conclude that the liberation of crystal-rich porphyry copper deposit forming magmas, and the addition of the chemical components required for ore formation, are intrinsically linked to the volatiles released during the recharge of less-evolved melt into a highly crystalline silicic magma.

GEOLOGY, SULFUR ISOTOPES AND THE ORIGIN OF THE HEATH STEELE ORE DEPOSITS, NEWCASTLE, N.B., CANADA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dechow, E.

The Heath Steele mine is located 35 miles northwest of Newcastle, New Brunswick, Canada. Middle Ordovician Tetagouche Group rocks, consisting of siliceous and basic volcanic rocks, and fine-grained quartz sericite schists and porphyry, have been folded into a steeply plunging recumbent anticline. The ore deposits of zinc, lead, and copper are associated with minor folding and/or sheared dilatent zones at or near the contact between porphyry and fine-grained senicitic schist. Mineralogically the sulfide bodies consist of early, euhedral arsenopyrite, magnetite, and pyrite, followed by interstitial pyrrhotite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena. Minor minerals are ternantite-tetrahedrite, bismuthinite, marcasite, hematite, and some graphite.more » Supergene minerals consist of chalcocite, covellite, and marcasite with a little native silver. Little hypogene replacement has taken place between the minerals, which show a "porphyritic" texture. Sulfur isotope ratios were determined for over 150 sulfide and sulfate specimens from five of the seven ore bodies, and from granite, acid and basic volcanics, porphyry, and sediments. The results indicate that there is no detectable fractionation either during hypogene mineralization or supergene enrichment. The spread (21.82 to 22.02) covered by the ratios is narrow, and suggestive of a well homogenized source of mineral solutions. The enrichment of S/sup 34/ in the ore sulfides and the presence of graphite, evident from mineralographic studies and mass spectrometric analysis, suggests reduction of original sulfates (known to be enriched in S/sup 34/) by organic carbon at temperatures in excess of 500 deg C. A calculation based on the isotopic exchange reaction between sulfide and sulfate under equilibrium conditions and the spread of the ratios indicates a temperature of 700 to 800 deg C for the source. Finally the ratios determined for sulfides in a gneissic granite close to Heath Steele have the same ratio as the ore. These factors are considered to be diagnostic of a magmatic hydrothermal origin for the orp deposits. It is believed that an original source bed has been buried until suitable temperatures were reached to cause granitization, reduction of sulfates, and mobilization of the resulting sulfides to form ore deposits at favorable loci. (auth)« less

The formation of ore mineral deposits on the Moon: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Lawrence A.; Lu, Fengxiang

1992-01-01

Most of the ore deposits on Earth are the direct result of formation by hydrothermal solutions. Analogous mineral concentrations do not occur on the Moon, however, because of the absence of water. Stratified ore deposits form in layered instrusives on Earth due to fractional crystallization of magma and crystal settling of high-density minerals, particularly chromium in the mineral chromite. We have evaluated the possibility of such mineral deposition on the Moon, based upon considerations of 'particle settling velocities' in lunar vs. terrestrial magmas. A first approximation of Stoke's Law would seem to indicate that the lower lunar gravity (1/6 terrestrial) would result in slower crystal settling on the Moon. However, the viscosity of the silicate melt is the most important factor affecting the settling velocity. The viscosities of typical lunar basaltic melts are 10-100 times less than their terrestrial analogs. These lower viscosities result from two factors: (1) lunar basaltic melts are typically higher in FeO and lower in Al2O3, Na2O, and K2O than terrestrial melts; and (2) lunar igneous melts and phase equilibria tend to be 100-150 C higher than terrestrial, largely because of the general paucity of water and other volatile phases on the Moon. Therefore, particle settling velocities on the Moon are 5-10 times greater than those on Earth. It is highly probable that stratiform ore deposits similar to those on Earth exist on the Moon. The most likely ore minerals involved are chromite, ilmenite, and native FeNi metal. In addition, the greater settling velocities of periodotite in lunar magmas indicate that the buoyancy effects of the melt are less than on Earth. Consequently, the possibility is considerably less than on Earth of deep-seated volcanism transporting upper mantle/lower crustal xenoliths to the surface of the Moon, such as occurs in kimberlites on Earth.

Temporal evolution of the giant Salobo IOCG deposit, Carajás Province (Brazil): constraints from paragenesis of hydrothermal alteration and U-Pb geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

deMelo, Gustavo H. C.; Monteiro, Lena V. S.; Xavier, Roberto P.; Moreto, Carolina P. N.; Santiago, Erika S. B.; Dufrane, S. Andrew; Aires, Benevides; Santos, Antonio F. F.

2017-06-01

The giant Salobo copper-gold deposit is located in the Carajás Province, Amazon Craton. Detailed drill core description, petrographical studies, and U-Pb SHRIMP IIe and LA-ICP-MS geochronology unravel its evolution regarding the host rocks, hydrothermal alteration and mineralization. Within the Cinzento Shear Zone, the deposit is hosted by orthogneisses of the Mesoarchean Xingu Complex (2950 ± 25 and 2857 ± 6.7 Ma) and of the Neoarchean Igarapé Gelado suite (2763 ± 4.4 Ma), which are crosscut by the Old Salobo granite. Remnants of the Igarapé Salobo metavolcanic-sedimentary sequence are represented by a quartz mylonite with detrital zircon populations (ca. 3.1-3.0, 2.95, 2.86, and 2.74 Ga). High-temperature calcic-sodic hydrothermal alteration (hastingsite-actinolite) was followed by silicification, iron-enrichment (almandine-grunerite-magnetite), tourmaline formation, potassic alteration with biotite, copper-gold ore formation, and later Fe-rich hydrated silicate alteration. Myrmekitic bornite-chalcocite and magnetite comprise the bulk of copper-gold ore. All these alteration assemblages have been overprinted by post-ore hematite-bearing potassic and propylitic alteration, which is also recognized in the Old Salobo granite. In the central zone of the deposit the mylonitized Igarapé Gelado suite rocks yield an age of 2701 ± 30 Ma. Zircon ages of 2547 ± 5.3 and 2535 ± 8.4 Ma were obtained for the Old Salobo granite and for the high-grade copper ore, respectively. A U-Pb LA-ICP-MS monazite age (2452 ± 14 Ma) from the copper-gold ore indicates hydrothermal activity and overprinting in the Siderian. Therefore, a protracted tectono-thermal event due to the reactivation of the Cinzento Shear Zone is proposed for the evolution of the Salobo deposit.

Origin of Fe-Ti Oxide Mineralization in the Middle Paleoproterozoic Elet'ozero Syenite-Gabbro Intrusive Complex (Northern Karelia, Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharkov, E. V.; Chistyakov, A. V.; Shchiptsov, V. V.; Bogina, M. M.; Frolov, P. V.

2018-03-01

Magmatic oxide mineralization widely developed in syenite-gabbro intrusive complexes is an important Fe and Ti resource. However, its origin is hotly debatable. Some researchers believe that the oxide ores were formed through precipitation of dense Ti-magnetite in an initial ferrogabbroic magma (Bai et al., 2012), whereas others consider them as a product of immiscible splitting of Fe-rich liquid during crystallization of Fe-Ti basaltic magma (Zhou et al., 2013). We consider this problem with a study of the Middle Paleoproterozoic (2086 ± 30 Ma) Elet'ozero Ti-bearing layered intrusive complex in northern Karelia (Baltic Shield). The first ore-bearing phase of the complex is mainly made up of diverse ferrogabbros, with subordinate clinopyroxenites and peridotites. Fe-Ti oxides (magnetite, Ti-magnetite, and ilmenite) usually account for 10-15 vol %, reaching 30-70% in ore varieties. The second intrusive phase is formed by alkaline and nepheline syenites. Petrographical, mineralogical, and geochemical data indicate that the first phase of the intrusion was derived from a moderately alkaline Fe-Ti basaltic melt, while the parental melt of the second phase was close in composition to alkaline trachyte. The orebodies comprise disseminated and massive ores. The disseminated Fe-Ti oxide ores make up lenses and layers conformable to general layering. Massive ores occur in subordinate amounts as layers and lenses, as well as cross-cutting veins. Elevated Nb and Ta contents in Fe-Ti oxides makes it possible to consider them complex ores. It is shown that the Fe-Ti oxide mineralization is related to the formation of a residual (Fe,Ti)-rich liquid, which lasted for the entire solidification history of the first intrusive phase. The liquid originated through multiple enrichment of Fe and Ti in the crystallization zone of the intrusion owing to the following processes: (1) precipitation of silicate minerals in the crystallization zone with a corresponding increase in the Fe and Ti contents in an interstitial melt; and (2) periodic accumulation of the residual melt in front of this zone. Unlike liquid immiscibility leading to melt splitting into two phases, this liquid dissolved the residual components of the melt. Correspondingly, such an Fe-rich liquid has unusual properties and requires further study.

Toward an integrated genetic model for vent-distal SEDEX deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangster, D. F.

2018-04-01

Although genetic models have been proposed for vent-proximal SEDEX deposits, an equivalent model for vent-distal deposits has not yet appeared. In view of this, it is the object of this paper to present a preliminary integrated vent-distal genetic model through exploration of four major components: (i) nature of the ore-forming fluid, (ii) role of density of the unconsolidated host sediments, (iii) dynamics of sulfate reduction and (iv) depositional environment. Two sub-groups of SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits, vent-proximal and vent-distal, are widely recognized today. Of the two, the latter is by far the largest in terms of metal content with each of the 13 largest containing in excess of 7.5 M (Zn+Pb) metal. In contrast, only one vent-proximal deposit (Sullivan) falls within this size range. Vent-proximal deposits are characteristically underlain by local networks of sulfide-filled veins (commonly regarded as feeder veins) surrounded by a discordant complex of host rock alteration. These attributes are missing in vent-distal deposits, which has led to the widespread view that vent-distal ore-forming fluids have migrated unknown distances away from their vent sites. Because of the characteristic fine grain size of ore minerals, critical fluid inclusion data are lacking for vent-distal ore-stage sulfides. Consequently, hypothetical fluids such as those which formed MVT deposits (120 °C, 20% NaCl equiv.) are considered to represent vent-distal fluids as well. Such high-salinity fluids are capable of carrying significant concentrations of Pb and Zn as chloride complexes while the relatively low temperatures preclude high Cu contents. Densities of such metalliferous brines result in bottom-hugging fluids that collect in shallow saucer-shaped depressions (collector basins). Lateral metal zoning in several deposits reveals the direction from which the brines came. Relative densities of the ore-forming fluid and sediment determine whether the ore-forming fluid stabilizes on top of the sediment column or sinks into it. Metal sulfide precipitation occurs when bacterially produced H2S, diffusing upward from anoxic conditions within the sediment, reacts with metal-bearing chloride complexes in the ore-forming fluid. Since H2S is produced by bacterial sulfate reduction within the first 2 m of the sediment column even where overlain by oxic water, sulfide precipitation will always occur within the anoxic sediment regardless of where the ore-forming fluid comes to rest. Because of the high porosity of the sediment, replacement is precluded as a mechanism of sulfide emplacement in favour of void filling. Detailed textural analyses of the HYC and Howards Pass deposits have demonstrated the abundance of pre-exhalative framboidal pyrite and provide evidence for sulfate-reducing bacteria operating in these basins under normal steady-state conditions before arrival of the ore-forming fluids. The sudden presence of ore-forming fluid, however, dramatically changes the formerly steady-state situation of the local bacterial environment. A major result of this new condition is recorded in the sulfur isotope compositions of the sulfides. Whereas pre-exhalative framboidal pyrite is isotopically light, ore-stage sulfides are significantly heavier and display a reduced fractionation relative to contemporaneous seawater sulfate. Much of the reduced fractionation is linked to the increase in H2S production by sulfate-reducing bacteria. The major factor contributing to this increase is the life-saving action of sulfate-reducing bacteria during which the metal toxicity is mitigated by removal of the toxic ions by precipitating them out as sulfides. Several scenarios representing hypothetical thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) conditions convincingly demonstrate the extreme improbability that TSR played a role in formation of vent-distal deposits. A wide range of depositional environments is suggested by host rocks which range from impure carbonate to calcareous or dolomitic siliciclastics to normal siltstones and greywackes to calcareous and siliceous siliciclastics to highly siliceous (cherty) shales. Using the analyses of Mo concentrations as a proxy indicator of euxinia in ancient bottom waters in three vent-distal deposits ranging from Late Cambrian to Early Silurian, euxinia was excluded in all three cases. Regardless of the redox condition of the water column, however, the overriding necessary condition for vent-distal deposits to form is that the water column be quiescent to permit the establishment of a pre-exhalative sulfate-reducing bacterial community. The paper concludes with a six-stage genetic model beginning with exhalation of a dense brine and concluding with sulfide preservation in anoxic sediment.

Occurence of ore metals in some terrestrial geothermal systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Browne, P.

1984-02-01

Drilling programs and the study of active geothermal systems have shown that the reservoir rocks in many fields contain minor quantities of base and precious metals. Commonly, base-metal sulfides occur in the subsurface but, where present, Au, Ag, Hg, As, Tl and Sb rich precipitates deposit near, or at, the surface. Although in some fields (Geysers, Larderello, Tongonan) some of the ore minerals (and others) are relict, there is evidence that they are now depositing in a few systems. Recent work on active hydrothermal systems in New Zealand shows that: (1) Sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite (forming veins and disseminated discrete crystals)more » plus rare pentlandite, cobaltite and arsenopyrite, occur at Broadlands, NZ. Rare quantities of base-metal sulfides also occur in cores and cuttings from the geothermal fields of Waiotapu, Kawerau, Tauhara, and Ngawha. Further, Kakimoto (1983) has identified cassiterite, native silver, and trace gold in cores from Tauhara, in the south-eastern part of the Wairakei field. Bore temperatures at the depths from which these minerals were recovered are mostly between 220/sup 0/ and 300/sup 0/C, but at Broadlands are locally as low as 120/sup 0/C. The host rocks are Quaternary calc-alkali, silicic lavas and pyroclastic rocks, andesites, dacite and deep Mesozoic greywackes and argillites; however, there is no obvious relationship between mineralization and stratigraphy, permeability or well output. The deposition of amorphous precious metal precipitates (Au, Ag, Hg, As, Sb, Tl) from hot springs and well discharges has taken place at Broadlands, Waiotapu and Rotokawa; it also occurs at Kawerau. Water discharging from Frying Pan Lake, Waimangu, is presently depositing siliceous sinter containing up to 4.1% tungsten.« less

Production of High Molecular Weight Organic Compounds on the Surfaces of Amorphous Iron Silicate Catalysts: Implications for Organic Synthesis in the Solar Nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilmour, I.; Hill, H. G. M.; Pearson, V. K.; Sephton, M. A.; Nuth, J. A., III

2002-01-01

The high molecular weight organic products of Fischer-Tropsch/Haber-Bosch syntheses on the surfaces of Fe-silicate catalysts have been studied by GCMS. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Comparative anatomy of epithermal precious- and base-metal districts hosted by volcanic rocks: A talk presented at the GAC/MSC/GGU Joint Annual Meeting, May 11-13, 1983, Victoria, British Columbia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heald-Wetlaufer, Pamela; Hayba, Daniel O.; Foley, Nora K.; Goss, J.A.

1983-01-01

In order to distinguish dissimilar from similar features of epithermal districts, lithotectonic, mineralogical and geochemical traits are compiled for 15 such districts. The districts occur in structurally complex settings associated with silicic to intermediate volcanics. Affiliation with subduction environments on a continental scale and caldera settings on a regional scale is common but is not demonstrable for all districts. Most deposits formed near the end of major volcanism, but some formed considerably later. Paleodepth to the top of the ore is 300-600m for most districts, although Au-rich districts appear to be shallower. The lateral extent of the ore zone is highly variable and far exceeds the limited vertical range (300-800m). Most ore was deposited from dominantly meteoric fluids ranging in temperature from 220°-290°C. Salinities ranged from 0-13 wt% NaCl equiv., and typical values were 1-3 wt%. Although noted for eight deposits, boiling is clearly associated with precious-metal deposition in only two deposits. Four districts, typified by Goldfield, Nev., are characterized by a highly sulfidized mineral assemblage, advanced argillic alteration, and ore deposition closely following emplacement of the host rock. The remaining eleven districts highlight a second, discrete type of deposit. They contain adularia, exhibit sericitic ± argillic alteration, and were mineralized significantly after emplacement of the host rock. The latter category includes two subgroups: Ag- and base-metal-rich deposits (e.g., Creede, Colo.), and Au-rich, base-metal-poor deposits (e.g., Round Mtn., Nev.).

Sulfide minerals as new Sm-Nd geochronometers for ore genesis dating of mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serov, Pavel; Ekimova, Nadezhda; Bayanova, Tamara

2014-05-01

The main method of dating the ore process was the Re-Os method of sulfides (Luck, Allegre, 1983; Walker et. al., 1991). However, studies of Re-Os systematics of sulfide minerals do not always give the correct ages and showing the disturbances of the Re-Os systematics. At the same time, Sm-Nd age of sulfides in good agreement with the U-Pb dating on zircon and baddeleyite and suggests that the Sm-Nd system of sulfides is more resistant to secondary alteration processes. Our studies have shown that along with rock-forming, ore minerals (sulfides) can be used to determine the ore genesis time of industrially important geological sites, since exactly with the sulfides the industry Pt-Pd mineralization is closely connected. The Sm-Nd investigations steadily employ new minerals-geochronometers. Of these, sulfides of PGE-bearing layered intrusions are quite important in terms of dating the process of ore origin. Studying the REE distribution in the sulfides of MOR hydrothermal sources has shown possible REE presence in the sulfide lattice (Rimskaya-Korsakova et. al., 2003). These are difficult to carry out because the concentrations of Sm and Nd isotopes in sulfides are much lower than chondrites (Rimskaya-Korsakova et. al., 2003). For the first time in Russia with sulfide and rock-forming minerals and WR in Sm-Nd method have been dated impregnated and brecciform ores of the following objects: Pilguyarvi Cu-Ni deposits, Pechenga (1965±87 Ma); impregnated (2433±83 Ma) and redeposited (1903±24 Ma) ores of Ahmavaara intrusion (Finland); ore gabbronorites of Penikat PGE-bearing layered intrusion (2426±38 Ma (Ekimova et.al., 2011); Pt-Pd gabbro-pegmatite ores (2476± 41 Ma, which agrees with the U-Pb zircon age - 2470±9 Ma (Bayanova, 2004) and gabbronorites (2483±86 Ma) of PGE Kievei deposit and Fedorova Tundra metagabbroids (2494±54 Ma); Monchetundra gabbronorites - 2489±49 Ma. In (Kong et. al., 2000) sulfides from two metamorphosed chondrites studied by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and ion probe. As shown, the level of REE in the sulfide phase determined by the ion probe is quite similar to that obtained by INAA. Although the concentrations of REE in the enstatite and the Fe, Si, Cr-rich inclusions are comparable to those in sulfide, estimates based on mass balance calculations show that the silicate inclusions would not noticeably contribute to the REE budget in sulfides (Kong et. al., 2000). These studies were supported by the RFBR 13-05-00493, OFI-M 13-05-12055, State Earth Division Program #4 and IGCP-599.

Microbanded manganese formations; protoliths in the Franciscan Complex, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huebner, J. Stephen; Flohr, Marta J.

1990-01-01

The Buckeye manganese deposit, 93 km southeast of San Francisco in the California Coast Ranges, preserves a geologic history that provides clues to the origin of numerous lenses of manganese carbonate, oxides, and silicates that occur with interbedded radiolarian chert and metashale of the Franciscan Complex. Compositionally and mineralogically laminated Mn-rich protoliths were deformed and dismembered, in a manner that mimics in smaller scale the deformation of the host complex, and then were incipiently metamorphosed at blueschistfacies conditions. Eight phases occur as almost monomineralic protoliths and mixtures: rhodochrosite, caryopilite, chlorite, gageite, taneyamalite, braunite, hausmannite, and laminated chert (quartz). Braunite, gageite, and some chlorite and caryopilite layers were deposited as gel-like materials; rhodochrosite, most caryopilite, and at least some hausmannite layers as lutites; and the chert as turbidites of radiolarian sand. Some gel-like materials are now preserved as transparent, sensibly isotropic relics of materials that fractured or shattered when deformed, creating curved surfaces. In contrast, the micrites flowed between the fragments of gel-like materials. The orebody and most of its constituent minerals have unusually Mn-rich compositions that are described by the system MnO-SiO2-O2-CO2-H2O. High values of Mn/Fe and U/Th, and low concentrations of Co, Cu, and Ni, distinguish the Buckeye deposit from many high-temperature hydrothermal deposits and hydrogenous or diagenetic manganese and ferromanganese nodules and pavements. This chemical signature suggests that ore deposition was related to fluids from the sediment column and seawater. Tungsten is associated exclusively with gageite, in concentrations as high as 80 parts per million. The source of the manganese is unknown; because basalts do not occur near the deposit, it was probably manganese leached from the sediment column by reducing solutions. Low concentrations of calcium (CaO approximately 0.6 weight percent) suggest that the host sediments formed beneath the carbonate-compensation depth. The most probable cause of the microbanding is changing proportions of chemical fluxes supplied to the sediment-seawater interface. The principal fluxes were biogenic silica from the water column, carbon dioxide from organic matter in the sediment column, O2 and other seawater constituents, and Mn +2-bearing fluid. The presence of Al2O3 and TiO2 (supplied by a detrital flux) in the metashale but not the ore lens suggests rapid ore deposition. Material supply-rate changes were probably due to a complex combination of episodic variations in the hydrothermal flux and periodic flows of radiolarian sand (silica and CO2 fluxes) that may be related to climate variations. The processes that form recent marine hydrothermal mounds may be the same as processes that formed the Buckeye deposit. Features common to both include the presence of Mn-oxyhydroxide crusts (corresponding to the Buckeye orebody), a large Mn/Fe ratio, low abundances of most minor elements, and small size. The most important differences are the absence of rhodochrosite and manganese silicates, interlayered with oxide, and the absence of adjacent chert in the contemporary deposits. These differences may be due to an absence of the debris of siliceous pelagic organisms, which accumulated in the Buckeye paleoenvironment. Periodic turbidity flows of chert-forming radiolarian sand could provide the changes in the fluxes of silica and organic matter necessary to form manganese carbonate and silicates. Turbidity flows of graywacke indicate proximity to an environment with high relief. A possible paleodepositional environment is an oceanic spreading center approaching a continental margin at which subduction occurred.

Effect of pressure on ore mineral solubilities under hydrothermal conditions.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hemley, J.J.; Cygan, G.L.; d'Angelo, W. M.

1986-01-01

The combined solubilities of Fe, Zn and Pb sulphides were determined at elevated P and T in chloride solutions buffered in pH by a silicate assemblage of quartz monzonite composition plus added muscovite, and buffered in fS2 and fO2 by the assemblage pyrite-pyrrhotite-magnetite. Higher T and higher chloride concentration favour higher metal solubilities, but the P effect is opposite. At 500oC, 0.5 kbar and 1 M total chloride, Fe, Zn, Pb solubilities were 8500, 4300 and 8700 ppm, respectively, whereas at 1 kbar they were 4200, 2400 and 2600 ppm, and at 2 kbar, 1700, 800 and 1200 ppm. The P effect is of considerable importance to problems of ore-mineral transport; the metal could be carried over long distances on a decreasing P gradient so long as the T decreases were sufficient; this condition could be approximated by a near-adiabatic transport cooling path. Such a condition is probably common for hydrothermal processes involving fairly deep-seated sources of heat and mineral components.-L.C.H.

Experimental investigation of the partitioning of phosphorus between metal and silicate phases - Implications for the earth, moon and eucrite parent body

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newsom, H. E.; Drake, M. J.

1983-01-01

An experimental study is reported of the partitioning of Phosphorus between solid metal and basaltic silicate liquid as a function of temperature and oxygen fugacity and of the implications for the earth, moon and eucrite parent body (EPB). The relationship established between the partition coefficient and the fugacity is given at 1190 C by log D(P) = -1.12 log fO2 - 15.95 and by log D(P) = -1.53 log fO2 17.73 at 1300 C. The partition coefficient D(P) was determined, and it is found to be consistent with a valence state of 5 for P in the molten silicate. Using the determined coefficient the low P/La ratios of the earth, moon, and eucrites relative to C1 chondrites can be explained. The lowering of the P/La ratio in the eucrites relative to Cl chondrite by a factor of 40 can be explained by partitioning P into 20-25 wt% sulfur-bearing metallic liquid corresponding to 5-25% of the total metal plus silicate system. The low P/La and W/La ratios in the moon may be explained by the partitioning of P and W into metal during formation of a small core by separation of liquid metal from silicate at low degrees of partial melting of the silicates. These observations are consistent with independent formation of the moon and the earth.

Two types of ore-bearing mafic complexes of the Early Proterozoic East-Scandinavian LIP and their ore potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitrofanov, Felix; Zhirov, Dmitry; Bayanova, Tamara; Korchagin, Alexey; Chaschin, Victor

2015-04-01

Two types of the ore-bearing mafic complexes are allotted in the East-Scandinavian large igneous province (LIP). They differ in geodynamic setting, structure, isotope geochemistry, petrology and mineralogy. The PGE-bearing mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions are associated with the first complex. They have been formed at an initial (pre-rift) stage of LIP. Features of origin of this complex are: 1) large-scale, protracted, and multiple episodes of deep mantle plume or asthenosphere upwelling; 2) the vast non-subduction-type basaltic magma in an intraplate continental setting; 3) low-sulfide Pt-Pd (with Ni, Cu, Au, Co and Rh) mineralization in different geological setting (reef- and contact type etc.); 4) anomalously high concentrations of PGEs in the bulk sulfides, inferred platinum distribution coefficient between silicate and sulfide melts of >100000. Deep mantle magma source is enriched in ore components (fertile source) and lithophile elements. It is reflected in the isotope indicators such as ɛNd(T) from -1 to -3, ISr(87Sr/86Sr) from 0.702 to 0.704, 3Не/4Не = (10 ^-5 ÷ 10 ^-6). Magma and ore sources differ from those of Mid-Ocean Ridge basalts (MORB), subduction-related magma but are similar to EM-I. Ore-bearing mafic complexes formed during a long period of time and by different episodes (2490±10 Ma; 2470±10 Ma; 2450±10 Ma; 2400±10 Ma), and by mixing between the boninitic an anorthositic magmas. It is known about 10 deposits and occurrences in Kola region with total reserves and resources about 2000 tons in palladium equivalent (with an average content ≥2-3 ppm). Intrusions with the rich sulfide Ni-Cu ore (with Co and poor PGE) are associated with the second mafic complex. Ore-controlling mafic-ultramafic intrusions are formed at a final stage of the intracontinental rifting of the Transitional period (2200-1980 Ma). Initial magma is depleted and similar to the MORB in terms of rare earths distribution. Enriched ferropicritic Fe-Ti derivatives of magma generate single volcano-plutonic rock series. For intrusive ore bodies rock differentiation with the formation of syngenetic wehrlite-clinopyroxenite-gabbro- orthoclase gabbro sequence is typical. Upper mantle source of the depleted magma is characterized by the following isotope indicators: ɛNd(T) +0.5 to +4, ISr= 87Sr/86Sr 0.703-0.704. Ore-bearing intrusive bodies are injected in the upper part of the Early Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary cross-section. Ores are located in the basement of intrusions and in the redeposited veined bodies, including offset setting. Numerous Ni-Cu deposits with total reserves and resources of several million tons of Nickel equivalent (with an average grade ≥ 0,3%) have been explored, and some of them now is mining. As a result of our research, the complex of indicators and criteria is suggested for predicting the occurrence, for regional exploration target selection and for regional resource evaluation of PGE and base metals. The studies are supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project nos. 13-05-12055).

[Spectral characteristics and implications of quartz from Heliao lead-zinc polymetallic ore district in the south of Qinzhou-Hangzhou joint belt].

PubMed

Lü, Wen-Chao; Yang, Zhi-Jun; Zhou, Yong-Zhang; Li, Hong-Zhong; Zeng, Xiang-Qing; Chen, Qing; Liang, Jin; Zeng, Chang-Yu

2013-05-01

The XRD, FTIR and Raman spectrum were employed to study the characters of quartz from three types of rock samples, which are mineralized rock sample, near ore body rock sample and far away from ore body rock sample in Heliao lead-zinc polymetallic ore district. The research shows that the quartz in the mineralized rock and far away from ore body rock is pure, while the quartz in near ore body rock contains a small amount of impurities. But such small amounts of impurities did not cause apparent change in the quartz lattice parameters. From far away from ore body rock-->near ore body rock-->mineralized rock, the crystallinity and order degree of quartz are higher and higher. And the quartz in the mineralized rock has a trend to change into low symmetry quartz. It's a unique to mineralized rock that the quartz's absorption peak at 1 050 cm(-1) was split into two strongest ones. It can be used as the signs of whether exists mineralization. The cause for the quartz microstructure changes may be related to the activities of late mineralized hydrothermal fluids. Late hydrothermal influence was very weak to the quartz far away from ore body rock. And through the impact of the multi-stage hydrothermal effect, the quartz in mineralized rock may be purified by recrystallization and structural adjustment. However the quartz in near ore body rock didn't have enough hydrothermal influence, so it's not pure. Genealogy research technology is a useful technique for in-depth exploration of study area mineralization process and metallogenic regularity.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eichelberger, J.C.

Magmatic activity, and particularly silicic magmatic activity, is the fundamental process by which continental crust forms and evolves. The transport of magma from deep crustal reservoirs to the surface is a neglected but important aspect of magmatic phenomena. It encompasses problems of eruptive behavior, hydrothermal circulation, and ore deposition, and must be understood in order to properly interpret deeper processes. Drilling provides a means for determining the relationship of shallow intrusive processes to eruption processes at young volcanoes where eruptions are best understood. Drilling also provides a means for directly observing the processes of heat and mass transfer by whichmore » recently emplaced intrusions approach equilibrium with their new environment. Drilling in the Inyo Chain, a 600-year-old chain of volcanic vents in California, has shown the close relationship of silicic eruption to shallow dike emplacement, the control of eruptive style by shallow porous-flow degassing, the origin of obsidian by welding, the development of igneous zonation by viscosity segregation, and the character and size of conduits in relation to well-understood magmatic and phreatic eruptions. 36 refs., 9 figs.« less

Ultra-oxidized rocks in subduction mélanges? Decoupling between oxygen fugacity and oxygen availability in a Mn-rich metasomatic environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumiati, Simone; Godard, Gaston; Martin, Silvana; Malaspina, Nadia; Poli, Stefano

2015-06-01

The manganese ore of Praborna (Italian Western Alps) is embedded within a metasedimentary sequence belonging to a subduction mélange equilibrated at high-pressure (HP) conditions (ca. 2 GPa) during the Alpine orogenesis. The pervasive veining of the ore and the growth of "pegmatoid" HP minerals suggest that these Mn-rich rocks strongly interacted with slab-derived fluids during HP metamorphism. These rocks are in textural and chemical equilibrium with the veins and in contact with sulphide- and magnetite-bearing metabasites at the bottom of the sequence. They contain braunite (Mn2+Mn3+6SiO12), quartz, pyroxmangite (Mn2+SiO3), and minor hematite, omphacite, piemontite and spessartine-rich garnet. Sulphides are absent in the Mn-rich rocks, whereas sulphates (barite, celestine) occur together with As- and Sb-oxides and silicates. This rock association provides an excellent natural laboratory to constrain the redox conditions in subducting oceanic slab mélanges at HP and fluid-present conditions. Similarly to Fe-bearing minerals, Mn oxides and silicates can be regarded as natural redox-sensors. A thermodynamic dataset for these Mn-bearing minerals is built, using literature data as well as new thermal expansion parameters for braunite aud pyrolusite, derived from experiments. Based on this dataset and the observed assemblages at Praborna, thermodynamic calculations show that these mélange rocks are characterised by ultra-oxidized conditions (∆FMQ up to + 12.7) if the chemical potential of oxygen (or the oxygen fugacity fO2) is accounted for. On the other hand, if the molar quantity of oxygen is used as the independent state variable to quantify the bulk oxidation state, the ore appears only moderately oxidized and comparable to typical subduction-slab mafic eclogites. Such an apparent contradiction may happen in rock systems whenever oxygen is improperly considered as a perfectly mobile component. In the Earth's mantle, redox reactions take place mainly between solid oxides and silicates, because O2 is a negligible species in the fluid phase. Therefore, the description of the redox conditions of most petrological systems requires the introduction of an extensive variable, namely the oxygen molar quantity (nO2). As a consequence, the oxygen chemical potential, and thus fO2, becomes a dependent state variable, not univocally indicative of the redox conditions of the entire rock column of a subduction zone, from the dehydrating oceanic crust to the overlying mantle wedge. On a more general basis, the comparison of fO2 retrieved from different bulk compositions and different phase assemblages is sometimes challenging and should be undertaken with care. From the study of mélange rocks at Praborna, the distribution of oxygen at subduction zones could be modelled as an oxidation gradient, grading from a maximum in the subducted altered oceanic crust to a minimum in the overlying peridotites of the mantle hanging-wall.

Hydrothermal oxidation in the Biwabik Iron Formation, MN, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Losh, Steven; Rague, Ryan

2018-02-01

Precambrian iron formations throughout the world, notably in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, show evidence of hypogene (≥ 110 °C, mostly > 250 °C) oxidation, alteration, and silica dissolution as a result of tectonic or magmatic activity. Although hydrothermal oxidation has been proposed for the prototype Lake Superior-type iron formation, the Biwabik Iron Formation in Minnesota (USA), it has not been documented there. By examining oxidized and unoxidized Biwabik Iron Formation in three mines, including material from high-angle faults that are associated with oxidation, we document an early hypogene oxidation event ( 175 °C) involving medium-salinity aqueous fluids (8.4 ± 4.9 wt% NaCl equiv) that infiltrated iron formation along high-angle faults. At the Hibbing Taconite Mine, hydrothermal fluids oxidized iron carbonates and silicates near faults, producing goethite ± quartz. In contrast with much of the oxidized iron ores on the Mesabi Range, silica was not removed but rather recrystallized during this event, perhaps lying in a rock-dominated system at low cumulative fluid flux. During the hydrothermal oxidation event in the Hibbing Taconite deposit, quartz-filled microfractures and irregular inclusions commonly formed in coarse variably oxidized magnetite, currently the ore mineral: these inclusions degrade the ore by introducing excess silica in magnetic concentrate. Hydrothermal oxidation at Hibbing Taconite Mine is overprinted by later, relatively minor supergene oxidation both along faults and near the surface, which locally dissolved quartz. At the Fayal Reserve Mine, widespread silicate and carbonate gangue dissolution and iron oxidation was followed by precipitation of pyrite, Mn-siderite, apatite, and other minerals in void spaces, which prevented post-oxidation compaction and significant volume loss in the sampled rocks. Although definitive temperature data for this assemblage are needed, the weight of evidence indicates that this mineralization is hypogene. The association of oxidation with epithermal conditions constrains the oxidation and subsequent mineralization to have taken place during the Precambrian, the only time when these rocks would have experienced the necessary temperatures. The mineralization at Fayal Reserve shows little supergene overprint: pyrite is largely unoxidized. Hydrothermal oxidation in both mines was likely produced by basinal fluids that were expelled during the 1.83-1.87 Ga Penokean Orogeny, and mixing with meteoric fluids along faults, although a 1.1 Ga rift-related fluid flow event is also possible. Later supergene overprinting of the iron formation was minor.

Chemical Variation of Silicate Mineral Phases in Lunar Feldspathic Granulitic Impactites: Implications for Thermal Histories and Provenances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fincke, E. M.; Ryder, G.

2001-01-01

We report on the internal variation and abundances of minor elements of silicate phases in lunar granulitic impactites to assess their thermal histories and the pre-metamorphic provenances of the minerals and the process that assembled the rocks. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Exploring Iron Silicate Precursors of Ancient Iron Formations through Rock Record, Laboratory and Field Analogue Investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, J. E.; Rasmussen, B.; Muhling, J.; Benzerara, K.; Jezequel, D.; Cosmidis, J.; Templeton, A. S.

2016-12-01

In direct contrast to today's oceans, iron-rich chemical precipitates dominate the deep marine sedimentary record > 2.3 billion years ago. The deposition of these minerals resulted in massive iron formations and indicate that the ocean was previously ferruginous and largely anoxic. To precipitate and concentrate iron in the sediments, many hypotheses have centered on the oxidation of soluble Fe(II) to solid Fe(III)-oxyhydroxides; these ideas have stimulated extensive research using iron-oxidizing bacteria to produce Fe(III)-oxides and trace metal sorption experiments on Fe(III)-oxides, leading to inferences of trace metal availability and implications for enzymatic and microbial evolution as well as pO2 levels and seawater chemistry. However, recent discoveries of disseminated iron-silicate nanoparticles in early-silicifying chert indicate that iron-silicates may have instead been the primary precipitates from these Archean ferruginous oceans (Rasmussen et al, 2015). Considering the significant paradigm shift this discovery implies for interpretations of Archean elemental cycling, redox state and potential microbial metabolisms, we investigated these iron-silicate inclusions and their implications for ancient seawater chemistry in a multi-faceted approach using spectroscopic- and diffraction-based techniques. The crystal structure, Fe oxidation state and Fe coordination environment of iron-silicate nanoparticles have been interrogated using microscale X-ray absorption spectroscopy, TEM and nanoscale scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. To further explore the chemical and potential biological controls on iron-silicate formation, we have also performed laboratory experiments to mimic Archean seawater and precipitate iron-bearing silicate minerals under abiotic conditions and in the presence of iron-oxidizing bacteria. In a complementary study, sediments from a natural Archean analogue system were sampled to determine if iron-silicate minerals form in Mexican crater lakes that are variably iron- and silica-rich. As we continue to probe the mechanism of Fe(II/III)-silicate formation, we can constrain the activity of silica, pH, and pO2 on early Earth and describe any potential influence of microbial activity on the precipitation of these phases.

Lead isotope studies of the Guerrero composite terrane, west-central Mexico: implications for ore genesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potra, Adriana; Macfarlane, Andrew W.

2014-01-01

New thermal ionization mass spectrometry and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry Pb isotope analyses of three Cenozoic ores from the La Verde porphyry copper deposit located in the Zihuatanejo-Huetamo subterrane of the Guerrero composite terrane are presented and the metal sources are evaluated. Lead isotope ratios of 3 Cenozoic ores from the El Malacate and La Esmeralda porphyry copper deposits located in the Zihuatanejo-Huetamo subterrane and of 14 ores from the Zimapan and La Negra skarn deposits from the adjoining Sierra Madre terrane are also presented to look for systematic differences in the lead isotope trends and ore metal sources among the proposed exotic tectonostratigraphic terranes of southern Mexico. Comparison among the isotopic signatures of ores from the Sierra Madre terrane and distinct subterranes of the Guerrero terrane supports the idea that there is no direct correlation between the distinct suspect terranes of Mexico and the isotopic signatures of the associated Cenozoic ores. Rather, these Pb isotope patterns are interpreted to reflect increasing crustal contribution to mantle-derived magmas as the arc advanced eastward onto a progressively thicker continental crust. The lead isotope trend observed in Cenozoic ores is not recognized in the ores from Mesozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide and sedimentary exhalative deposits. The Mesozoic ores formed prior to the amalgamation of the Guerrero composite terrane to the continental margin, which took place during the Late Cretaceous, in intraoceanic island arc and intracontinental marginal basin settings, while the Tertiary deposits formed after this event in a continental arc setting. Lead isotope ratios of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic ores appear to reflect these differences in tectonic setting of ore formation. Most Pb isotope values of ores from the La Verde deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.674-18.719) are less radiogenic than those of the host igneous rocks, but plot within the field defined by the Huetamo Sequence, suggesting that these ores may also contain metals from the sedimentary rocks. The Pb isotope ratios of ore samples from the Zimapan deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.771-18.848) are substantially higher than the whole-rock Pb isotope compositions of the basement rocks. The similarity of ore Pb to igneous rock Pb in the Zimapan district (206Pb/204Pb = 18.800-18.968) may indicate that the proximal source of ore metals in the hydrothermal system was the igneous activity.

Interaction of Nanostructured Calcium Silicate Hydrate with Ibuprofen Drug Molecules: X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) Study at the Ca, Si and O K-edge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, X. X.; Sham, T. K.; Zhu, Y. J.; Hu, Y. F.

2013-04-01

Mesoporous calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) nanostructure has been proven to be bioactive and biocompatible, and has a bright future in the application of bone treatment among other applications. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) is a powerful tool for the study of the interactions of calcium silicate hydrates with drug molecules because it is element specific and it probes the unoccupied electronic states. Herein, we report the use of the calcium, silicon and oxygen K-edge XANES spectroscopy to identify how drug molecules interact with different groups in calcium silicate hydrate mesoporous nano-carriers with different morphologies. Significant changes are observed in XANES spectra after drug loading into the calcium silicate hydrate system, especially at the Si and O K-edge. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Phase composition of Katowice - Wełnowiec pytometallurgical slags: preliminary SEM study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warchulski, Rafał; Szopa, Krzysztof

2014-09-01

Exploitation on Zn-Pb ores in Upper Silesia region dates back to the XIII century. Analyzed slags are associated with Hohenlohe smelting plant which started its work in 1804 as an iron smelter, and continued as zinc smelter since 1873. Waste material from smelting plant production was stored in Katowice - Wełnowiec, although nowadays most of it has been used for commercial purposes. Slags are composed of silicates and aluminosilicates, e.g. willemite, pyroxene- and melilite-group, K-feldspar accompanied by silico-phosphates close to perhamite, harrisonite and arsenate-chloride with composition similar to nealite. Chemical composition of most phases is simple with some unique substitutions in case of Sr and Ce

Phase Composition of Katowice - Wełnowiec Pytometallurgical Slags: Preliminary SEM Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warchulski, Rafał; Szopa, Krzysztof

2014-09-01

Exploitation on Zn-Pb ores in Upper Silesia region dates back to the XIII century. Analyzed slags are associated with Hohenlohe smelting plant which started its work in 1804 as an iron smelter, and continued as zinc smelter since 1873. Waste material from smelting plant production was stored in Katowice - Wełnowiec, although nowadays most of it has been used for commercial purposes. Slags are composed of silicates and aluminosilicates, e.g. willemite, pyroxene- and melilite-group, K-feldspar accompanied by silico-phosphates close to perhamite, harrisonite and arsenate-chloride with composition similar to nealite. Chemical composition of most phases is simple with some unique substitutions in case of Sr and Ce.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Viscosity-Structure Correlation for High Alumina-Silicate Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talapaneni, Trinath; Yedla, Natraj; Pal, Snehanshu; Sarkar, Smarajit

2017-06-01

Blast furnaces are encountering high Alumina (Al2O3 > 25 pct) in the final slag due to the charging of low-grade ores. To study the viscosity behavior of such high alumina slags, synthetic slags are prepared in the laboratory scale by maintaining a chemical composition of Al2O3 (25 to 30 wt pct) CaO/SiO2 ratio (0.8 to 1.6) and MgO (8 to 16 wt pct). A chemical thermodynamic software FactSage 7.0 is used to predict liquidus temperature and viscosity of the above slags. Experimental viscosity measurements are performed above the liquidus temperature in the range of 1748 K to 1848 K (1475 °C to 1575 °C). The viscosity values obtained from FactSage closely fit with the experimental values. The viscosity and the slag structure properties are intent by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. It is observed that increase in CaO/SiO2 ratio and MgO content in the slag depolymerizes the silicate structure. This leads to decrease in viscosity and activation energy (167 to 149 kJ/mol) of the slag. Also, an addition of Al2O3 content increases the viscosity of slag by polymerization of alumino-silicate structure and activation energy from 154 to 161 kJ/mol. It is witnessed that the activation energy values obtained from experiment closely fit with the Shankar model based on Arrhenius equation.

Sulfidation Roasting of Hemimorphite with Pyrite for the Enrichment of Zn and Pb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Xiao-Bo; Xue, Ke; Ke, Yong; Zhou, Bo-Sheng; Li, Yang-Wen-Jun; Wang, Qing-Wei

2016-09-01

With the increasing consumption of zinc and the depletion of zinc sulfide ores, the exploitation of low-grade zinc oxide ores may be important for the sustainability of the zinc industry. Hemimorphite, a zinc hydroxyl silicate hydrate, is a significant source of Zn and Pb. It is difficult to obtain Zn and Pb from the hemimorphite using traditional technology. In this work, for the first time, sulfidation roasting of hemimorphite with pyrite was studied for the enrichment of Zn and Pb by a flotation process. Four stages of sulfidation roasting were determined based on x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry analysis. Then, the effects of sulfidation temperature, pyrite dosage and reaction time on the sulfidation percentages were investigated at the laboratory scale. The experimental results showed that the sulfidation percentages of Pb and Zn were as high as 98.08% and 90.55% under optimum conditions, respectively. Finally, a flotation test was performed to enrich Zn and Pb in the sulfidation product. A flotation concentrate with 8.78% Zn and 9.25% Pb was obtained, and the recovery of Zn and Pb reached 56.14% and 75.94%, respectively.

A novel methodology for rapid digestion of rare earth element ores and determination by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and dynamic reaction cell-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Helmeczi, Erick; Wang, Yong; Brindle, Ian D

2016-11-01

Short-wavelength infrared radiation has been successfully applied to accelerate the acid digestion of refractory rare-earth ore samples. Determinations were achieved with microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and dynamic reaction cell - inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). The digestion method developed was able to tackle high iron-oxide and silicate matrices using only phosphoric acid in a time frame of only 8min, and did not require perchloric or hydrofluoric acid. Additionally, excellent recoveries and reproducibilities of the rare earth elements, as well as uranium and thorium, were achieved. Digestions of the certified reference materials OREAS-465 and REE-1, with radically different mineralogies, delivered results that mirror those obtained by fusion processes. For the rare-earth CRM OKA-2, whose REE data are provisional, experimental data for the rare-earth elements were generally higher than the provisional values, often exceeding z-values of +2. Determined values for Th and U in this reference material, for which certified values are available, were in excellent agreement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solid-State Metalized Reduction of Magnesium-Rich Low-Nickel Oxide Ores Using Coal as the Reductant Based on Thermodynamic Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Baozhong; Xing, Peng; Yang, Weijiao; Wang, Chengyan; Chen, Yongqiang; Wang, Hua

2017-08-01

The solid-state metalized reduction of magnesium-rich low-nickel oxide ore using coal as a reductant was studied based on thermodynamic analysis. The major constituent minerals of the ore were silicates and goethite. The former was the main nickel-bearing mineral, and the latter was the main iron-bearing mineral. Single factor tests were conducted to investigate the effects of reduction temperature, duration, and coal dosage on the beneficiation of nickel and iron such that optimal conditions were achieved. Considering the low recoveries of nickel and iron (Ni, 13.9 pct; Fe, 30.3 pct) under the obtained optimal conditions, an improved process, adding CaF2 before the reaction, was proposed to modify the solid-state metalized process. The results showed that the recoveries of nickel and iron reached to 96.5 and 73.4 pct, respectively, and that the grades of nickel and iron in the concentrate increased from 2.5 and 62.6 wt pct to 6.9 and 71.4 wt pct, respectively. Nickel and iron in the absence of CaF2 were metalized; nevertheless, the size of ferronickel particles was only 1 μm. Furthermore, alloys in the presence of CaF2 aggregated and exhibited bands with a length greater than 200 µm. These observations suggested that CaF2 could effectively reduce the surface tension of the newly generated alloy interface and promote the migration and polymerization of the alloy particles, which improves the beneficiation of nickel and iron by magnetic separation.

Potential human health risks associated with historic ore processing at Berg Aukas, Grootfontein area, Namibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mapani, Benjamin; Ellmies, Rainer; Kamona, Frederick; Kříbek, Bohdan; Majer, Vladimír; Knésl, Ilja; Pašava, Jan; Mufenda, Maria; Mbingeneeko, Filadelphia

2010-11-01

Health risks to people living at Berg Aukas have been identified through a geochemical study of mine dumps and soils at Berg Aukas. Berg Aukas once served as a mining town, where ores of Pb, V, and Zn were mined and roasted on site until 1979. Roasting of ores produced an unintended hazardous risk in the surrounding area. For this study, soil, crops, and water from the Berg Aukas area were analysed for various pollutants. The main pollutants are metals like Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As, Hg and Mo. They are bound to layered silicates, to easily soluble sulphide minerals, or occur in native form. The analytical results show severe heavy metal contamination of the surface soils south and east of Berg Aukas. Crops grown at the National Youth Service, like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and Irish potatoes, accumulate heavy elements that are deleterious to health. Prolonged exposure to As and heavy metals in concentrations as found in the soils and some crops in Berg Aukas can cause severe health problems like diabetes, skin lesions, bladder problems, neurological effects, as well as skin, kidney or lung cancer. Pb affects mental development of children and Pbs to brain retardation. The study aims to help the local community to delineate no-go areas for agricultural use and to either diversify the crops grown on contaminated soils or to grow crops that are less vulnerable to high heavy metal contents in soils or transfer the crops grown on contaminated soils to areas that are not contaminated.

The effect of pressure and temperature on sulfur degassing from oxidized magmas: implications for magmatic-hydrothermal ore genesis and "excess sulfur" in volcanic eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zajacz, Z.

2017-12-01

Sulfur released during the ascent and crystallization of hydrous and oxidized arc magmas is thought to play an essential role in the genesis of magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits, such as porphyry Cu-Mo-Au and high-sulfidation epithermal Au deposits. If emitted into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions, it may exert a significant short-term global impact on the Earth's climate due to the generation of sulfate aerosol. Therefore, it is critically important to understand how physical-chemical variables affect the efficiency of sulfur extraction from magmas. High pressure (P) -temperature (T) experiments were conducted to systematically address the effect P-T on the equilibrium partitioning of oxidized sulfur between silicate melts and magmatic volatiles. The confining P was varied between 30 and 480 MPa, whereas the temperature ranged between 920 and 1100 oC. The oxygen fugacity (fO2) was buffered using Re-ReO2 assemblage in all experiments ensuring that sulfur was dominantly present in 4+ and 6+ oxidation state. For the pressure series experiments, a phonolite and a basaltic andesite melt composition was used, because sulfur is thought to be dissolved dominantly as alkali sulfate species in the former and as CaSO4 species in the latter. The data show that the volatile/melt partition coefficients of oxidized sulfur (DSv/m) strongly increase with decreasing pressure for both melt compositions. For example, in the case of the basaltic andesite melt, DSv/m increases from 12.7±0.5 to 71±4 as P changes from 480 to 60 MPa. For the temperature series experiments, the basaltic andesite was replaced by a dacite melt to allow for a broader range of superliquidus temperatures within the reach of the experimental apparatus. The effect of temperature on DSv/m is more moderate than that of P. For the dacite melt, DSv/m dropped by a factor of 2 as temperature decreased from 1100 to 920 oC. The DSv/m values were combined with anhydrite solubility data and implemented in a MELTS model of magma evolution in upper crust. The results of the model calculations suggest that shallower magma emplacement depth is more favorable for effective sulfur extraction by the exsolving volatile phase, and therefore it increases the likelihood of porphyry-ore formation and may lead to larger amounts of "excess sulfur" observed in volcanic eruptions.

Isolation and phylogenetic characterization of iron-sulfur-oxidizing heterotrophic bacteria indigenous to nickel laterite ores of Sulawesi, Indonesia: Implications for biohydrometallurgy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaerun, Siti Khodijah; Hung, Sutina; Mubarok, Mohammad Zaki; Sanwani, Edy

2015-09-01

The main objective of this study was to isolate and phylogenetically identify the indigenous iron-sulfur-oxidizing heterotrophic bacteria capable of bioleaching nickel from laterite mineral ores. The bacteria were isolated from a nickel laterite mine area in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Seven bacterial strains were successfully isolated from laterite mineral ores (strains SKC/S-1 to SKC/S-7) and they were capable of bioleaching of nickel from saprolite and limonite ores. Using EzTaxon-e database, the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the seven bacterial strains were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, resulting in a complete hierarchical classification system, and they were identified as Pseudomonas taiwanensis BCRC 17751 (98.59% similarity), Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum BGSC 3A28 (99.14% and 99.32% similarities), Paenibacillus pasadenensis SAFN-007 (98.95% and 99.33% similarities), Bacillus methylotrophicus CBMB 205 (99.37% similarity), and Bacillus altitudinis 41KF2b (99.37% similarity). It is noteworthy that members of the phylum Firmicutes (in particular the genus Bacillus) predominated in this study, therefore making them to have the high potential to be candidates for the bioleaching of nickel from laterite mineral ores. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the predominance of the phylum Firmicutes in the Sulawesi laterite mineral ores.

Natural Weathering Rates of Silicate Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, A. F.

2003-12-01

Silicates constitute more than 90% of the rocks exposed at Earth's land surface (Garrels and Mackenzie, 1971). Most primary minerals comprising these rocks are thermodynamically unstable at surface pressure/temperature conditions and are therefore susceptible to chemical weathering. Such weathering has long been of interest in the natural sciences. Hartt (1853) correctly attributed chemical weathering to "the efficacy of water containing carbonic acid in promoting the decomposition of igneous rocks." Antecedent to the recent interest in the role of vegetation on chemical weathering, Belt (1874) observed that the most intense weathering of rocks in tropical Nicaragua was confined to forested regions. He attributed this effect to "the percolation through rocks of rain water charged with a little acid from decomposing vegetation." Chamberlin (1899) proposed that the enhanced rates of chemical weathering associated with major mountain building episodes in Earth's history resulted in a drawdown of atmospheric CO2 that led to periods of global cooling. Many of the major characteristics of chemical weathering had been described when Merrill (1906) published the groundbreaking volume Rocks, Rock Weathering, and Soils.The major advances since that time, particularly during the last several decades, have centered on understanding the fundamental chemical, hydrologic, and biologic processes that control weathering and in establishing quantitative weathering rates. This research has been driven by the importance of chemical weathering to a number environmentally and economically important issues. Undoubtedly, the most significant aspect of chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks to form soils, a process that makes life possible on the surface of the Earth. The availability of many soil macronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and PO4 is directly related to the rate at which primary minerals weather. Often such nutrient balances are upset by anthropogenic activities. For example, Huntington et al. (2000) show that extensive timber harvesting in the southeastern forests of the United States, which are underlain by intensely weathered saprolites, produces net calcium exports that exceed inputs from weathering, thus creating a long-term regional problem in forest management.The role of chemical weathering has long been recognized in economic geology. Tropical bauxites, which account for most of world's aluminum ores, are typical examples of residual concentration of silicate rocks by chemical weathering over long time periods (Samma, 1986). Weathering of ultramafic silicates such as peridotites forms residual lateritic deposits that contain significant deposits of nickel and cobalt. Ores generated by chemical mobilization include uranium deposits that are produced by weathering of granitic rocks under oxic conditions and subsequent concentration by sorption and precipitation ( Misra, 2000).Over the last several decades, estimating rates of silicate weathering has become important in addressing new environmental issues. Acidification of soils, rivers, and lakes has become a major concern in many parts of North America and Europe. Areas at particular risk are uplands where silicate bedrock, resistant to chemical weathering, is overlain by thin organic-rich soils (Driscoll et al., 1989). Although atmospheric deposition is the most important factor in watershed acidification, land use practices, such as conifer reforestation, also create acidification problems ( Farley and Werritty, 1989). In such environments, silicate hydrolysis reactions are the principal buffer against acidification. As pointed out by Drever and Clow (1995), a reasonable environmental objective is to decrease the inputs of acidity such that they are equal to or less than the rate of neutralization by weathering in sensitive watersheds.The intensive interest in past and present global climate change has renewed efforts to understand quantitatively feedback mechanisms between climate and chemical weathering. On timescales longer than a million years, atmospheric CO2 levels have been primarily controlled by the balance between the rate of volcanic inputs from the Earth's interior and the rate of uptake through chemical weathering of silicates at the Earth's surface (Ruddiman, 1997). Weathering is proposed as the principal moderator in controlling large increases and decreases in global temperature and precipitation through the greenhouse effects of CO2 over geologic time (R. A. Berner and E. K. Berner, 1997). Weathering processes observed in paleosols, discussed elsewhere in this volume (see Chapter 5.18), have also been proposed as indicating changes in Archean atmospheric CO2 and O2 levels (Ohmoto, 1996; Rye and Holland, 1998).

Copper solubility in a basaltic melt and sulfide liquid/silicate melt partition coefficients of Cu and Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ripley, Edward M.; Brophy, James G.; Li, Chusi

2002-09-01

The solubility of copper in a sulfur-saturated basaltic melt has been determined at 1245°C as a function of fO 2 and fS 2. Copper solubilities at log fO 2 values between -8 and -11 fall into two distinct populations as a function of fS 2. At log fS 2 values < -1.65, sulfide liquid that coexists with the basaltic glass quenches to sulfur-poor bornite solid solution. At log fS 2 values in excess of -1.65, the sulfide liquid quenches to a complex intergrowth of sulfur-rich bornite and intermediate solid solution. Copper solubilities in the low-fS 2 population range from 594 to 1550 ppm, whereas those in the high-fS 2 population range from 80 to 768 ppm. Sulfide liquid/silicate liquid partition coefficients (D) for Cu and Fe range from 480 to 1303 and 0.7 to 13.6, respectively. Metal-sulfur complexing in the silicate liquid is shown to be insignificant relative to metal-oxide complexing for Fe but permissible for Cu at high fS 2 values. On log D Fe (sulfide-silicate) and log D Cu (sulfide-silicate) vs. 1/2 (log fS 2 - log fO 2) diagrams, both fS 2 populations show distinct but parallel trends. The observation of two D values for any fS 2/fO 2 ratio indicates nonideal mixing of species involved in the exchange reaction. The two distinct trends observed for both Cu and Fe are thought to be due to variations in activity coefficient ratios (e.g., γ FeO/γ FeS and γ CuO 0.5/γ CuS 0.5). Results of the experiments suggest that accurate assessments of fS 2/fO 2 ratios are required for the successful numerical modeling of processes such as the partial melting of sulfide-bearing mantle and the crystallization of sulfide-bearing magmas, as well as the interpretation of sulfide mineralogical zoning. In addition, the experiments provide evidence for oxide or oxy-sulfide complexing for Cu in silicate magmas and suggest that the introduction of externally derived sulfur to mafic magma may be an important process for the formation of Cu-rich disseminated magmatic sulfide ore deposits.

Constraints on the composition of ore fluids and implications for mineralising events at the Cleo gold deposit, Eastern Goldfields Province, Western Australia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, S.M.; Johnson, C.A.; Watling, R.J.; Premo, W.R.

2003-01-01

The Cleo gold deposit, 55 km south of Laverton in the Eastern Goldfields Province of Western Australia, is characterised by banded iron-formation (BIF)-hosted ore zones in the gently dipping Sunrise Shear Zone and high-grade vein-hosted ore in the Western Lodes. There is evidence that gold mineralisation in the Western Lodes (which occurred at ca 2655 Ma) post-dates the majority of displacement along the Sunrise Shear Zone, but it remains uncertain if the ore in both structures formed simultaneously or separately. Overall, the Pb, Nd, Sr, C. O and S isotopic compositions of ore-related minerals from both the Western Lodes and ore zones in the Sunrise Shear Zone are similar. Early low-salinity aqueous-carbonic fluids and late high-salinity fluids with similar characteristics are trapped in inclusions in quartz veins from both the Sunrise Shear Zone and the Western Lodes. The early CO2, CO2-H2O, and H2O- dominant inclusions are interpreted as being related to ore formation, and to have formed from a single low-salinity aqueous-carbonic fluid as a result of intermittent fluid immiscibility. Homogenisation temperatures indicate that these inclusions were trapped at approximately 280??C and at approximately 4 km depth, in the deeper epizonal range. Differences between the ore zones are detected in the trace-element composition of gold samples, with gold from the Sunrise Shear Zone enriched in Ni, Pb, Sn, Te and Zn, and depleted In As, Bi, Cd, Cu and Sb, relative to gold from the Western Lodes. Although there are differences in gold composition between the Sunrise Shear Zone and Western Lodes, and hence the metal content of ore fluids may have varied slightly between the different ore zones, no other systematic fluid or solute differences are detected between the ore zones. Given the fact that the ore fluids in each zone have very similar bulk properties, the considerable differences in gold grade, sulfide mineral abundance, and ore textures between the two ore zones most likely result from different gold-deposition mechanisms. The association of ore zones in the Sunrise Shear Zone with pyrite-replaced BIF suggests that wall-rock sulfidation was the most significant mechanism of gold precipitation, through the destabilisation of gold-bisulfide complexes. The Western Lodes, however, do not exhibit any host-rock preference and multistage veins commonly contain coarse-grained gold. Fluid-inclusion characteristics and breccia textures in veins in the Western Lodes suggest that rapid pressure changes, brought about by intermittent release of overpressured fluids and concomitant phase separation, are likely to have caused the destabilisation of gold-thiocomplexes, leading to formation of higher-grade gold ore zones.

Platinum Partitioning at Low Oxygen Fugacity: Implications for Core Formation Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medard, E.; Martin, A. M.; Righter, K.; Lanziroti, A.; Newville, M.

2016-01-01

Highly siderophile elements (HSE = Au, Re, and the Pt-group elements) are tracers of silicate / metal interactions during planetary processes. Since most core-formation models involve some state of equilibrium between liquid silicate and liquid metal, understanding the partioning of highly siderophile elements (HSE) between silicate and metallic melts is a key issue for models of core / mantle equilibria and for core formation scenarios. However, partitioning models for HSE are still inaccurate due to the lack of sufficient experimental constraints to describe the variations of partitioning with key variable like temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity. In this abstract, we describe a self-consistent set of experiments aimed at determining the valence of platinum, one of the HSE, in silicate melts. This is a key information required to parameterize the evolution of platinum partitioning with oxygen fugacity.

Behavior of uranium under conditions of interaction of rocks and ores with subsurface water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omel'Yanenko, B. I.; Petrov, V. A.; Poluektov, V. V.

2007-10-01

The behavior of uranium during interaction of subsurface water with crystalline rocks and uranium ores is considered in connection with the problem of safe underground insulation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Since subsurface water interacts with crystalline rocks formed at a high temperature, the mineral composition of these rocks and uranium species therein are thermodynamically unstable. Therefore, reactions directed toward the establishment of equilibrium proceed in the water-rock system. At great depths that are characterized by hindered water exchange, where subsurface water acquires near-neutral and reducing properties, the interaction is extremely sluggish and is expressed in the formation of micro- and nanoparticles of secondary minerals. Under such conditions, the slow diffusion redistribution of uranium with enrichment in absorbed forms relative to all other uranium species is realized as well. The products of secondary alteration of Fe- and Ti-bearing minerals serve as the main sorbents of uranium. The rate of alteration of minerals and conversion of uranium species into absorbed forms is slow, and the results of these processes are insignificant, so that the rocks and uranium species therein may be regarded as unaltered. Under reducing conditions, subsurface water is always saturated with uranium. Whether water interacts with rock or uranium ore, the equilibrium uranium concentration in water is only ≤10-8 mol/l. Uraninite ore under such conditions always remains stable irrespective of its age. The stability conditions of uranium ore are quite suitable for safe insulation of SNF, which consists of 95% uraninite (UO2) and is a confinement matrix for all other radionuclides. The disposal of SNF in massifs of crystalline rocks at depths below 500 m, where reducing conditions are predominant, is a reliable guarantee of high SNF stability. Under oxidizing conditions of the upper hydrodynamic zone, the rate of interaction of rocks with subsurface water increases by orders of magnitude and subsurface water is commonly undersaturated with uranium. Uranium absorbed by secondary minerals, particularly by iron hydroxides and leucoxene, is its single stable species under oxidizing conditions. The impact of oxygen-bearing water leads to destruction of uranium ore. This process is realized simultaneously at different hypsometric levels even if the permeability of the medium is variable in both the lateral and vertical directions. As a result, intervals containing uranyl minerals and relics of primary uranium ore are combined in ore-bearing zones with intervals of completely dissolved uranium minerals. A wide halo of elevated uranium contents caused by sorption is always retained at the location of uranium ore entirely destroyed by weathering. Uranium ore commonly finds itself in the aeration zone due to technogenic subsidence of the groundwater table caused by open-pit mining or pumping out of water from underground mines. The capillary and film waters that interact with rocks and ores in this zone are supplemented by free water filtering along fractures when rain falls or snow is thawing. The interaction of uranium ore with capillary water results in oxidation of uraninite, accompanied by loosening of the mineral surface, formation of microfractures, and an increase in solubility with enrichment of capillary water in uranium up to 10-4 mol/l. Secondary U(VI) minerals, first of all, uranyl hydroxides and silicates, replace uraninite, and uranium undergoes local diffusion redistribution with its sorption by secondary minerals of host rocks. The influx of free water facilitates the complete dissolution of primary and secondary uranium minerals, the removal of uranium at the sites of groundwater discharge, and its redeposition under reducing conditions at a greater depth. It is evident that the conditions of the upper hydrodynamic zone and the aeration zone are unfit for long-term insulation of SNF and high-level wastes because, after the failure of containers, the leakage of radionuclides into the environment becomes inevitable.

Coupled heat and fluid flow modeling of the Carboniferous Kuna Basin, Alaska: Implications for the genesis of the Red Dog Pb-Zn-Ag-Ba ore district

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garven, G.; Raffensperger, Jeff P.; Dumoulin, Julie A.; Bradley, D.A.; Young, L.E.; Kelley, K.D.; Leach, D.L.

2003-01-01

The Red Dog deposit is a giant 175 Mton (16% Zn, 5% Pb), shale-hosted Pb-Zn-Ag-Ba ore district situated in the Carboniferous Kuna Basin, Western Brooks Range, Alaska. These SEDEX-type ores are thought to have formed in calcareous turbidites and black mudstone at elevated sub-seafloor temperatures (120-150??C) within a hydrogeologic framework of submarine convection that was structurally organized by large normal faults. The theory for modeling brine migration and heat transport in the Kuna Basin is discussed with application to evaluating flow patterns and heat transport in faulted rift basins and the effects of buoyancy-driven free convection on reactive flow and ore genesis. Finite element simulations show that hydrothermal fluid was discharged into the Red Dog subbasin during a period of basin-wide crustal heat flow of 150-160 mW/m2. Basinal brines circulated to depths as great as 1-3 km along multiple normal faults flowed laterally through thick clastic aquifers acquiring metals and heat, and then rapidly ascended a single discharge fault zone at rates ??? 5 m/year to mix with seafloor sulfur and precipitate massive sulfide ores. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Sulfur Saturation Limits in Silicate Melts and their Implications for Core Formation Scenarios for Terrestrial Planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holzheid, Astrid; Grove, Timothy L.

2002-01-01

This study explores the controls of temperature, pressure, and silicate melt composition on S solubility in silicate liquids. The solubility of S in FeO-containing silicate melts in equilibrium with metal sulfide increases significantly with increasing temperature but decreases with increasing pressure. The silicate melt structure also exercises a control on S solubility. Increasing the degree of polymerization of the silicate melt structure lowers the S solubility in the silicate liquid. The new set of experimental data is used to expand the model of Mavrogenes and O'Neill(1999) for S solubility in silicate liquids by incorporating the influence of the silicate melt structure. The expected S solubility in the ascending magma is calculated using the expanded model. Because the negative pressure dependence of S solubility is more influential than the positive temperature dependence, decompression and adiabatic ascent of a formerly S-saturated silicate magma will lead to S undersaturation. A primitive magma that is S-saturated in its source region will, therefore, become S-undersaturated as it ascends to shallower depth. In order to precipitate magmatic sulfides, the magma must first cool and undergo fractional crystallization to reach S saturation. The S content in a metallic liquid that is in equilibrium with a magma ocean that contains approx. 200 ppm S (i.e., Earth's bulk mantle S content) ranges from 5.5 to 12 wt% S. This range of S values encompasses the amount of S (9 to 12 wt%) that would be present in the outer core if S is the light element. Thus, the Earth's proto-mantle could be in equilibrium (in terms of the preserved S abundance) with a core-forming metallic phase.

Formation of wadsleyite in a shock experiment - implications for the duration of shock events in meteorite parent bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tschauner, O.; Asimow, P. D.; Ahrens, T. J.; Kostandova, N.; Sinogeikin, S.

2007-12-01

We report the first observation of the high-pressure silicate phase wadsleyite in the recovery products of a shock experiment. Wadsleyite was detected by micro-X ray diffraction and EBSD. Wadsleyite grew from melt which formed by chemical reaction of periclase and silica during shock. Our findings show that the growth rate of high pressure silicate phases in shock-generated melts can be of the order of m/s and is probably not diffusion controlled. Our finding has important implications for the time scale of shock events recorded by meteorites and indicates that the presence of high pressure silicates found in shocked meteorites does not necessarily imply large impactor sizes. This work was supported by the NNSA Cooperative Agreement DOE-FC88-01NV14049 and NASA/Goddard grants under awards NNG04GP57G and NNG04GI07G. Use of the HPCAT facility was supported by DOE-BES, DOE-NNSA, NSF, DOD -TACOM, and the W.M. Keck Foundation. APS is supported by DOE-BES under Contract No. W-31-109-Eng-38.

Compositional variation of glauconites in Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene sedimentary iron-ore deposits in South-eastern Western Siberia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudmin, Maxim; Banerjee, Santanu; Mazurov, Aleksey

2017-06-01

Glauconite occurs either as unaltered greenish or as altered brownish variety in Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene sediments in the southeastern corner of Western Siberia. Studied section within the Bakchar iron-ore deposit includes Ipatovo, Slavgorod, Gan'kino and Lyulinvor formations, which are represented by sandstones, siltstones, claystones and oolitic ironstones of coastal-marine facies. The origin of unaltered glauconite is explained by the ;verdissement theory;. Transgressions during Lower Coniacian, Santonian and Campanian favored the formation of unaltered glauconites in dysoxic to anoxic conditions. Subaerial exposure of glauconite resulted in leaching of potassium, oxidation of iron and formation of iron hydroxides in Upper Coniacian, Maastrichtian and Palaeocene. Glauconite ultimately converts to leptochlorite and hydrogoethite by this alteration. Abundant microscopic gold inclusions, besides sulphides, sulphates, oxides and silicates characterize this glauconite. Mineral inclusions include precious, rare metals and non-ferrous metals. The concentration of gold in glauconite may be as high as 42.9 ppb. Abundant inclusions of various compositions in glauconites indicate enrichment of marine sediments in precious and non-precious metals. While major element composition of glauconites is affected by subaerial exposure, the broadly similar micro-inclusions in both altered and unaltered varieties are possibly related to the comparatively immobile nature of REE and trace elements.

Tracking natural and anthropogenic Pb exposure to its geological source.

PubMed

Evans, Jane; Pashley, Vanessa; Madgwick, Richard; Neil, Samantha; Chenery, Carolyn

2018-01-31

Human Pb exposure comes from two sources: (i) natural uptake through ingestion of soils and typified by populations that predate mining activity and (ii) anthropogenic exposure caused by the exposure to Pb derived from ore deposits. Currently, the measured concentration of Pb within a sample is used to discriminate between these two exposure routes, with the upper limit for natural exposure in skeletal studies given as 0.5 or 0.7 mg/kg in enamel and 0.5/0.7 μg/dL in blood. This threshold approach to categorising Pb exposure does not distinguish between the geological origins of the exposure types. However, Pb isotopes potentially provide a more definitive means of discriminating between sources. Whereas Pb from soil displays a crustal average 238 U/ 204 Pb (μ) value of c 9.7, Pb from ore displays a much wider range of evolution pathways. These characteristics are transferred into tooth enamel, making it possible to characterize human Pb exposure in terms of the primary source of ingested Pb and to relate mining activity to geotectonic domains. We surmise that this ability to discriminate between silicate and sulphide Pb exposure will lead to a better understanding of the evolution of early human mining activity and development of exposure models through the Anthropocene.

Hard X-ray irradiation of cosmic silicate analogs: structural evolution and astrophysical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavilan, L.; Jäger, C.; Simionovici, A.; Lemaire, J. L.; Sabri, T.; Foy, E.; Yagoubi, S.; Henning, T.; Salomon, D.; Martinez-Criado, G.

2016-03-01

Context. Protoplanetary disks, interstellar clouds, and active galactic nuclei contain X-ray-dominated regions. X-rays interact with the dust and gas present in such environments. While a few laboratory X-ray irradiation experiments have been performed on ices, X-ray irradiation experiments on bare cosmic dust analogs have been scarce up to now. Aims: Our goal is to study the effects of hard X-rays on cosmic dust analogs via in situ X-ray diffraction. By using a hard X-ray synchrotron nanobeam, we seek to simulate cumulative X-ray exposure on dust grains during their lifetime in these astrophysical environments and provide an upper limit on the effect of hard X-rays on dust grain structure. Methods: We prepared enstatite (MgSiO3) nanograins, which are analogs to cosmic silicates, via the melting-quenching technique. These amorphous grains were then annealed to obtain polycrystalline grains. These were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) before irradiation. Powder samples were prepared in X-ray transparent substrates and were irradiated with hard X-rays nanobeams (29.4 keV) provided by beamline ID16B of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble). X-ray diffraction images were recorded in transmission mode, and the ensuing diffractograms were analyzed as a function of the total X-ray exposure time. Results: We detected the amorphization of polycrystalline silicates embedded in an organic matrix after an accumulated X-ray exposure of 6.4 × 1027 eV cm-2. Pure crystalline silicate grains (without resin) do not exhibit amorphization. None of the amorphous silicate samples (pure and embedded in resin) underwent crystallization. We analyze the evolution of the polycrystalline sample embedded in an organic matrix as a function of X-ray exposure. Conclusions: Loss of diffraction peak intensity, peak broadening, and the disappearance of discrete spots and arcs reveal the amorphization of the resin embedded (originally polycrystalline) silicate sample. We explore the astrophysical implications of this laboratory result as an upper limit to the effect of X-rays on the structure of cosmic silicates.

Experimentally determined Si isotope fractionation between silicate and Fe metal and implications for Earth's core formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahar, Anat; Ziegler, Karen; Young, Edward D.; Ricolleau, Angele; Schauble, Edwin A.; Fei, Yingwei

2009-10-01

Stable isotope fractionation amongst phases comprising terrestrial planets and asteroids can be used to elucidate planet-forming processes. To date, the composition of the Earth's core remains largely unknown though cosmochemical and geophysical evidence indicates that elements lighter than iron and nickel must reside there. Silicon is often cited as a light element that could explain the seismic properties of the core. The amount of silicon in the core, if any, can be deduced from the difference in 30Si/ 28Si between meteorites and terrestrial rocks if the Si isotope fractionation between silicate and Fe-rich metal is known. Recent studies (e.g., [Georg R.B., Halliday A.N., Schauble E.A., Reynolds B.C., 2007. Silicon in the Earth's core. Nature 447 (31), 1102-1106.]; [Fitoussi, C., Bourdon, B., Kleine, T., Oberli, F., Reynolds, B. C., 2009. Si isotope systematics of meteorites and terrestrial peridotites: implications for Mg/Si fractionation in the solar nebula and for Si in the Earth's core. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 287, 77-85.]) showing (sometimes subtle) differences between 30Si/ 28Si in meteorites and terrestrial rocks suggest that Si missing from terrestrial rocks might be in the core. However, any conclusion based on Earth-meteorite comparisons depends on the veracity of the 30Si/ 28Si fractionation factor between silicates and metals at appropriate conditions. Here we present the first direct experimental evidence that silicon isotopes are not distributed uniformly between iron metal and rock when equilibrated at high temperatures. High-precision measurements of the silicon isotope ratios in iron-silicon alloy and silicate equilibrated at 1 GPa and 1800 °C show that Si in silicate has higher 30Si/ 28Si than Si in metal, by at least 2.0‰. These findings provide an experimental foundation for using isotope ratios of silicon as indicators of terrestrial planet formation processes. They imply that if Si isotope equilibrium existed during segregation of Earth's core-forming metal and silicate mantle, there should be an isotopic signature of Si in the core. Our experiments, combined with previous measurements of Si isotope ratios in meteorites and rocks representing the bulk silicate Earth, suggest that the formation of the Earth's core imparted a high 30Si/ 28Si signature to the bulk silicate Earth due to dissolution of ~ 6 wt% Si into the early core.

Gold in the Black Hills, South Dakota, and how new deposits might be found

USGS Publications Warehouse

Norton, James Jennings

1974-01-01

Of the recorded production of 34,694,552 troy ounces of gold mined in South Dakota through 1971, about 90 percent has come from Precambrian ore bodies in the Homestake mine at Lead in the northern Black Hills. Most of the rest has come from ore deposited in the Deadwood Formation (Cambrian) by hydrothermal replacement during early Tertiary igneous activity. About 99 percent of the total production has been within a radius of 5 miles (8 km) of Lead. Elsewhere, prospecting has been intense, both in the Precambrian rocks, which are exposed over an area 61 by 26 miles (98 by 42 km), and in nearby Paleozoic rocks. All the known ore bodies have been found either at the surface or in subsurface workings of operating mines. Efforts to find totally new deposits have been modest and sporadic; no comprehensive and systematic program has ever been attempted. Obviously, any exploration program should be aimed at finding a new deposit resembling the Homestake in the Precambrian, but discovery in the Deadwood of a new group of ore bodies containing several hundred thousand ounces of gold would certainly be worthwhile. Evidence has long been available that the Deadwood deposits and the Homestake deposit are somehow related. Current opinion is that (1) the Homestake ore is mainly Precambrian, (2) a trivial amount of Homestake ore is Tertiary, (3)gold in Deadwood basal conglomerate is largely of placer origin, and (4) the gold of replacement deposits in the Deadwood and in other rock units came originally from sources similar to the Homestake deposit or its parent materials. Homestake ore is virtually entirely contained in a unit of iron-formation locally known as the Homestake Formation, which seemingly had more gold in the original sediments than similar rocks exposed elsewhere in the Black Hills. Gold, sulfur, and other constituents were subsequently concentrated in ore shoots in zones of dilation caused by cross folds that deformed earlier major folds. These ore shoots are in metamorphic rocks of a grade just above the garnet isograd, in a zone where the principal iron-magnesium mineral of the iron-formation changes from a carbonate (sideroplesite) to a silicate (cummingtonite). This metamorphic reaction would release carbon dioxide to the fluid that presumably formed the ore bodies. In short, three controls over localization of the ore have been identified: (1) the cross folds; (2) the so-called Homestake Formation, which passes beneath Paleozoic rocks north of Lead and has not been proved to reappear anywhere else in the Black Hills (Other units of iron-formation less enriched in gold might locally become more like the Homestake Formation beneath the cover of Paleozoic rocks.}; (3} proximity to the garnet isograd--nearly all the exposed Precambrian rocks in the Black Hills are at a metamorphic grade higher than this isograd--and occurrence of this isograd zone mostly beneath Paleozoic rocks. In searching for new deposits, one can guess from existing data where Precambrian rocks of suitable nature may be concealed. The usefulness of such guesses can be increased if they are made with information about the distribution of gold in younger rocks. Gold in the Deadwood basal conglomerate would be the simplest indicator of a deposit once exposed on the pre-Deadwood surface. Tertiary replacement deposits in the Deadwood or other rocks, which obtained their gold from Precambrian sources that may be nearby or far away, can also be helpful; they, like anomalies found by geochemical sampling, at least outline the regions of mineralizing activity. A suitable approach to exploration is to make a thorough study of the stratigraphy, the structure, and the metals geochemistry of the Deadwood Formation and associated rocks, chiefly in the northern Black Hills but to a lesser extent elsewhere in localities where the Precambrian geology seems promising and where gold has been found nearby. Such a program, even if it does not yield

Copper Diffusion in Silicate Melts and Melt Inclusion Study on Volatiles in The Lunar Interior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Peng

This thesis focuses on the application of diffusion kinetics to both terrestrial and lunar geochemistry. In Chapters II and III, diffusivities of Cu in silicate melts were experimentally determined and used to discuss the role of Cu diffusion in formation of Cu ore deposits and also Cu isotope fractionation in tektites. In Chapters IV and V, lunar olivine-hosted melt inclusions are studied to understand their volatile loss during homogenization in lab, to estimate cooling rate for lunar Apollo sample 74220, and to estimate volatile abundance in the lunar mantle. Magmatic sulfide deposits and porphyry-type Cu deposits are two major types of Cu deposits that supply the world's Cu. In particular, porphyry-type Cu deposits provide ˜57% of the world's total discovered Cu. Recent studies suggest a potential role of diffusive transport of metals (e.g. Cu, Au, PGE, Mo) in the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits and porphyry-type deposits. Diffusivities of Cu in silicate melts, however, are poorly determined. In Chapters II and III of this thesis, Cu diffusion in basaltic melt and rhyolitic melts are studied by diffusion couple and chalcocite "dissolution" methods. Our results indicate high diffusivities of Cu and a general equation for Cu diffusion in silicate melts is obtained. The high diffusivity of Cu indicate that partition of Cu between the silicate phase and the sulfide or fluid phase can be assumed to be in equilibrium during the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits or porphyry-type deposits. In addition, our Cu diffusion data helps explain why Cu isotopes are more fractionated than Zn isotopes in tektites. Volatile abundances in the lunar mantle have profound implications for the origin of the Moon, which was thought to be bone-dry till about a decade ago, when trace amounts of H2O were detected in various types of lunar samples. In particular, high H2O concentrations comparable to mid-ocean ridge basalts were reported in lunar melt inclusions. There are still uncertainties, however, for lunar melt inclusion studies in at least two aspects. One is whether the low H2O/Ce ratios measured in homogenized crystalline inclusions are affected by the homogenization process. The other is that current estimation of volatile abundances in lunar mantle relies heavily on 74220, which is argued to be a local anomaly by some authors. In order to reach a conclusive answer on volatile abundances in lunar mantle, the above two questions have to be answered. To improve our understanding about these questions, in Chapter IV of this thesis, a series of experiments are carried out to understand possible volatile loss from lunar melt inclusions during homogenization. Our results indicate significant H2O loss from inclusions during homogenization in minutes, whereas loss of F, Cl or S is unlikely a concern under our experimental conditions. The most applicable way to preserve H2O during homogenization is to use large inclusions. In Chapter V of this thesis, volatile, trace and major element data for melt inclusions from 10020, 12040, 15016, 15647 and 74235 are reported. Our new data indicate large variation in H2O/Ce ratios from ˜77 to ˜1 across different lunar samples, which is at least partially due to H2O loss on lunar surface during cooling. In addition, evidences were found in F/Nd and S/Dy ratios that might suggest lunar mantle heterogeneity in terms of its volatile abundances.

Geochemical Modeling of Zinc Silicate Ore Formation from Sedimentary Hydrothermal Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appold, M. S.

2008-12-01

Sediment-hosted zinc deposits dominated by willemite (Zn2SiO4) instead of sphalerite (ZnS) are known from several prominent occurrences worldwide, including Vazante, Brazil, the Aroona Trend, Australia, Kabwe, Zambia, Berg Aukas, Namibia, and Abu Samar, Sudan. Although willemite-dominant zinc deposits appear to be much less common and are on average smaller than sphalerite-dominant zinc deposits, they nonetheless represent major enrichments of zinc in the Earth's crust, reaching sizes on the order of 1's to 10's of millions of tons and grades commonly between 20 and 40%. Sediment-hosted willemite- and sphalerite-dominant deposits share many similarities including their predominantly carbonate host rocks, gangue mineralogy, presumed derivation from sedimentary basinal brines, and spatial proximity. However, the conditions and processes that led to one style of mineralization versus the other have only recently begun to be investigated. The current study presents solubility, reaction path, and reactive transport modeling results that attempt to define more clearly the conditions that favor willemite ore formation in sedimentary basins, with a focus on the Vazante deposit. Solubility calculations for willemite and sphalerite as a function of temperature, pH, salinity, and oxidation potential were carried out using a simple 3 molal NaCl solution saturated with respect to quartz. The results show that (1) willemite solubility is relatively insensitive to changes in temperature and oxidation potential whereas sphalerite solubility decreases sharply with decreasing temperature and oxidation potential, (2) willemite solubility decreases more strongly than sphalerite with increasing pH, (3) willemite and sphalerite have a similar strong decrease in solubility with decreasing salinity. The results support a previously proposed genetic model for a willemite-dominant, sphalerite-subordinate ore body like Vazante in which a hot, acidic, metal-rich ore fluid mixed with a cooler, more oxidizing, dilute, and basic fluid. This scenario was investigated further with reaction path and reactive transport modeling. In these models, a more complex ore fluid was used that was assumed to have a major element composition similar to the global average for Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits determined from the literature, modified by heating from 150 to 300° C, saturated with respect to dolomite and quartz, moderately acidic, and an oxidation potential near the value defined by magnetite-hematite equilibrium. The ore fluid was allowed to mix with a second, possibly meteoric fluid with about three orders of magnitude lower salinity, neutral pH, and a temperature of 50° C. The modeling results showed general agreement with the mineral assemblage observed at Vazante, and confirmed the need for a strong pH increase to induce willemite precipitation, and no more than a moderate increase in oxidation potential to allow some sphalerite to precipitate. The localization of mineralization within a shear zone was found to depend strongly on the shear zone having acted as a high permeability conduit for the ore fluid from deeper parts of the sedimentary basin.

Dissolved volatile concentrations in an ore-forming magma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lowenstern, J. B.

1994-01-01

Infrared spectroscopic measurements of glass inclusions within quartz phenocrysts from the Plinian fallout of the 22 Ma tuff of Pine Grove show that the trapped silicate melt contained high concentrations of H2O and CO2. Intrusive porphyries from the Pine Grove system are nearly identical in age, composition, and mineralogy to the tephra, and some contain high-grade Mo mineralization. Assuming that the porphyry magmas originally contained similar abundances of volatile components as the erupted rocks, they would have been saturated with fluid at pressures far greater than those at which the porphyries were emplaced and mineralized. The data are consistent with formation of Climax-type Mo porphyry deposits by prolonged fluid flux from a large volume of relatively Mo-poor (1-5 ppm) magma. -from Author

Compositional effects on Si–OH bond length in hydrous silicates with implications for trends in the SiOH acidity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zarubin, Dmitri P., E-mail: dmitri.zarubin@mtu-net.ru

2014-04-01

Theoretical calculations of the structure and Brønsted acidity of SiOH groups in silica clusters have never addressed the question if these vary with the degree of SiOH deprotonation. In this connection, a statistical analysis is presented of Si–OH bond lengths in crystalline hydrogen silicates with well-determined structures with a special emphasis placed on effects of the silicate composition. It is found that among hydrogen silicates of large cations with low charges the Si–OH bonds are always longer than terminal Si–O bonds in the same anion and correlate in length with the anionic charge per tetrahedron. The findings are explained bymore » steric limitations on charge balancing at oxygen atoms by hydrogen bonds and/or cations. It is suggested that similar limitations and imbalances may underlie the well-known trends in the Brønsted acidity of silicic acids and silicas in aqueous media: decreased acidity with increased SiOH deprotonation and increased acidity with increased tetrahedra connectivity. - Graphical abstract: Si–OH bonds in crystalline silicates lengthen with the anionic charge per tetrahedron, which is in parallel with the well-known trend of decreased acidity of silicic acids and silicas in solution with increased degree of deprotonation. - Highlights: • Si–OH bonds in alkali hydrogen silicates are always longer than terminal Si–O bonds. • Si–OH bonds in silicates lengthen with the anionic charge per tetrahedron. • The Si–OH bond elongation results from inherent underbonding of terminal O atoms. • The longer the Si–OH bond, the less acidic the OH group is.« less

An investigation into heterogeneity in a single vein-type uranium ore deposit: Implications for nuclear forensics.

PubMed

Keatley, A C; Scott, T B; Davis, S; Jones, C P; Turner, P

2015-12-01

Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations in nuclear materials are important as they are used within the field of nuclear forensics as an indicator of sample origin. However recent studies into uranium ores and uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) have shown significant elemental and isotopic heterogeneity from a single mine site such that some sites have shown higher variation within the mine site than that seen between multiple sites. The elemental composition of both uranium and gangue minerals within ore samples taken along a single mineral vein in South West England have been measured and reported here. The analysis of the samples was undertaken to determine the extent of the localised variation in key elements. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyse the gangue mineralogy and measure major element composition. Minor element composition and rare earth element (REE) concentrations were measured by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA). The results confirm that a number of key elements, REE concentrations and patterns used for origin location do show significant variation within mine. Furthermore significant variation is also visible on a meter scale. In addition three separate uranium phases were identified within the vein which indicates multiple uranium mineralisation events. In light of these localised elemental variations it is recommended that representative sampling for an area is undertaken prior to establishing the REE pattern that may be used to identify the originating mine for an unknown ore sample and prior to investigating impact of ore processing on any arising REE patterns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alteration and geochemical zoning in Bodie Bluff, Bodie mining district, eastern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Herrera, P.A.; Closs, L.G.; Silberman, M.L.

1993-01-01

Banded, epithermal quartz-adularia veins have produced about 1.5 million ounces of gold and 7 million ounces of silver from the Bodie mining district, eastern California. The veins cut dacitic lava flows, pyroclastic rocks and intrusions. Sinter boulders occur in a graben structure at the top of Bodie Bluff and fragments of sinter and mineralized quartz veins occur in hydrothermal breccias nearby. Explosive venting evidently was part of the evolution of the ore-forming geothermal systems which, at one time, must had reached the paleosurface. Previous reconnaissance studies at Bodie Bluff suggested that the geometry of alteration mineral assemblages and distribution of some of the major and trace elements throughout the system correspond to those predicted by models of hot-spring, volcanic rock hosted precious metal deposits (Silberman, 1982; Silberman and Berger, 1985). The current study was undertaken to evaluate these sugestions further. About 500 samples of quartz veins and altered rocks, including sinter, collected over a vertical extent of 200 meters within Bodie Bluff were petrographically examined and chemically analyzed for trace elements by emission spectrographic and atomic absorption methods. Sixty-five samples were analyzed for major elements by X-ray fluorescence methods. The results of these analyses showed that, in general, alteration mineral assemblage and vertical geochemical zoning patterns follow those predicted for hot-spring deposits, but that geochemical zoning patterns for sinter and quartz veins (siliceous deposits), and altered wall rocks are not always similar. The predicted depth-concentration patterns for some elements, notably Au, Ag, Hg, and Tl in quartz veins, and Hg, As and Ag in wall rocks were not as expected, or were perturbed by the main ore producing zone. For both quartz veins and altered wall rocks, the main ore zone had elevated metal contents. Increased concentration of many of these elements could indicate proximity to this zone. However, irregularities in the distribution of some key elements, such as Au and Ag, relative to the predictive models suggest that a larger suite of elements be considered for exploration for ore zones within the district. ?? 1993.

Evidence that Arrhenius high-temperature aging behavior for an EPDM o-ring does not extrapolate to lower temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gillen, K.T.; Wise, J.; Celina, M.

1997-09-01

Because of the need to significantly extend the lifetimes of weapons, and because of potential implications of environmental O-ring failure on degradation of critical internal weapon components, the authors have been working on improved methods of predicting and verifying O-ring lifetimes. In this report, they highlight the successful testing of a new predictive method for deriving more confident lifetime extrapolations. This method involves ultrasensitive oxygen consumption measurements. The material studied is an EPDM formulation use for the environmental O-ring the W88. Conventional oven aging (155 C to 111 C) was done on compression molded sheet material; periodically, samples were removedmore » from the ovens and subjected to various measurements, including ultimate tensile elongation, density and modulus profiles. Compression stress relaxation (CSR) measurements were made at 125 C and 111 C on disc shaped samples (12.7 mm diameter by 6 mm thick) using a Shawbury Wallace Compression Stress Relaxometer MK 2. Oxygen consumption measurements were made versus time, at temperatures ranging from 160 C to 52 C, using chromatographic quantification of the change in oxygen content caused by reaction with the EPDM material in sealed containers.« less

Portuguese tin-glazed earthenware from the 17th century. Part 1: Pigments and glazes characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vieira Ferreira, L. F.; Casimiro, T. M.; Colomban, Ph.

2013-03-01

Two sherds representative of the Portuguese faience production of the first and second halves of the 17th century were studied carefully with the use of non-invasive spectroscopies, namely: Ground State Diffuse Reflectance Absorption (GSDR), micro-Raman, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Laser Induced Luminescence (LIL) and Proton Induced X-ray (PIXE). These results were compared with the ones obtained for a Chinese Ming porcelain, Wanli period (16th/beginning of the 17th centuries), which served as an influence for the initial Lisbon's faience production. By combining information of the different non-destructive spectroscopic techniques used in this work, it was possible to conclude that: Co3O4 (Co II and Co III) can be found in the silicate matrix and is the blue pigment in the "Especieiro" sample (1st half of the 17th C.). Cobalt olivine silicate (Co2SiO4, Co II only) was clearly identified as the blue pigment in "Aranhões" sample (2nd half of the17th C.) - 824 cm-1 band in the micro-Raman-spectrum. Cobalt aluminate (CoAl2O4, Co II only) is the blue pigment in the Wanli plate - 203 and 512 cm-1 bands in the micro-Raman spectrum. The blue pigment in the 1st half 17th century of Lisbon's production was obtained by addition of a cobalt ore in low concentrations, which gives no specific Raman signature, because of complete dissolution in the glass. However, in most cases of the 2nd half 17th century, the Raman signature was quite evident, from a cobalt silicate. These findings point to the use of higher temperature kilns in the second case.

Fractionation products of basaltic komatiite magmas at lower crustal pressures: implications for genesis of silicic magmas in the Archean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandler, B. E.; Grove, T. L.

2015-12-01

Hypotheses for the origin of crustal silicic magmas include both partial melting of basalts and fractional crystallization of mantle-derived melts[1]. Both are recognized as important processes in modern environments. When it comes to Archean rocks, however, partial melting hypotheses dominate the literature. Tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG)-type silicic magmas, ubiquitous in the Archean, are widely thought to be produced by partial melting of subducted, delaminated or otherwise deeply buried hydrated basalts[2]. The potential for a fractional crystallization origin for TTG-type magmas remains largely unexplored. To rectify this asymmetry in approaches to modern vs. ancient rocks, we have performed experiments at high pressures and temperatures to closely simulate fractional crystallization of a basaltic komatiite magma in the lowermost crust. These represent the first experimental determinations of the fractionation products of komatiite-type magmas at elevated pressures. The aim is to test the possibility of a genetic link between basaltic komatiites and TTGs, which are both magmas found predominantly in Archean terranes and less so in modern environments. We will present the 12-kbar fractionation paths of both Al-depleted and Al-undepleted basaltic komatiite magmas, and discuss their implications for the relative importance of magmatic fractionation vs. partial melting in producing more evolved, silicic magmas in the Archean. [1] Annen et al., J. Petrol., 47, 505-539, 2006. [2] Moyen J-F. & Martin H., Lithos, 148, 312-336, 2012.

Determining the Metal/Silicate Partition Coefficient of Germanium: Implications for Core and Mantle Differentiation.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, C.; Righter, K.; Danielson, L.; Pando, K.; Lee, C.

2010-01-01

Currently there are several hypotheses for the thermal state of the early Earth. Some hypothesize a shallow magma ocean, or deep magma ocean, or heterogeneous accretion which requires no magma ocean at all. Previous models are unable to account for Ge depletion in Earth's mantle relative to CI chondrites. In this study, the element Ge is used to observe the way siderophile elements partition into the metallic core. The purpose of this research is to provide new data for Ge and to further test these models for Earth's early stages. The partition coefficients (D(sub Ge) = c(sub metal)/c(sub silicate), where D = partition coefficient of Ge and c = concentration of Ge in the metal and silicate, respectively) of siderophile elements were studied by performing series of high pressure, high temperature experiments. They are also dependent on oxygen fugacity, and metal and silicate composition. Ge is a moderately siderophile element found in both the mantle and core, and has yet to be studied systematically at high temperatures. Moreover, previous work has been limited by the low solubility of Ge in silicate melts (less than 100 ppm and close to detection limits for electron microprobe analysis). Reported here are results from 14 experiments studying the partitioning of Ge between silicate and metallic liquids. The Ge concentrations were then analyzed using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) which is sensitive enough to detect ppm levels of Ge in the silicate melt.

Anionic Pt in Silicate Melts at Low Oxygen Fugacity: Speciation, Partitioning and Implications for Core Formation Processes on Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medard, E.; Martin, A. M.; Righter, K.; Malouta, A.; Lee, C.-T.

2017-01-01

Most siderophile element concentrations in planetary mantles can be explained by metal/ silicate equilibration at high temperature and pressure during core formation. Highly siderophile elements (HSE = Au, Re, and the Pt-group elements), however, usually have higher mantle abundances than predicted by partitioning models, suggesting that their concentrations have been set by late accretion of material that did not equilibrate with the core. The partitioning of HSE at the low oxygen fugacities relevant for core formation is however poorly constrained due to the lack of sufficient experimental constraints to describe the variations of partitioning with key variables like temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity. To better understand the relative roles of metal/silicate partitioning and late accretion, we performed a self-consistent set of experiments that parameterizes the influence of oxygen fugacity, temperature and melt composition on the partitioning of Pt, one of the HSE, between metal and silicate melts. The major outcome of this project is the fact that Pt dissolves in an anionic form in silicate melts, causing a dependence of partitioning on oxygen fugacity opposite to that reported in previous studies.

Geochemical and Geochronologic Investigations of Zircon-hosted Melt Inclusions in Rhyolites from the Mesoproterozoic Pea Ridge IOA-REE Deposit, St. Francois Mountains, Missouri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watts, K. E.; Mercer, C. N.; Vazquez, J. A.

2015-12-01

Silicic volcanic and plutonic rocks of an eroded Mesoproterozoic caldera complex were intruded and replaced by iron ore, and cross-cut by REE-enriched breccia pipes (~12% total REO) to form the Pea Ridge iron-oxide-apatite-REE (IOA-REE) deposit. Igneous activity, iron ore formation, and REE mineralization overlapped in space and time, however the source of REEs and other metals (Fe, Cu, Au) integral to these economically important deposits remains unclear. Melt inclusions (MI) hosted in refractory zircon phenocrysts are used to constrain magmatic components and processes in the formation of the Pea Ridge deposit. Homogenized (1.4 kbar, 1000°C, 1 hr) MI in zircons from rhyolites ~600 ft (PR-91) and ~1200 ft (PR-12) laterally from the ore body were analyzed for major elements by EPMA and volatiles and trace elements (H2O, S, F, Cl, REEs, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, U, Th) by SHRIMP-RG. Metals (including Cu, Au) will be measured in an upcoming SHRIMP-RG session. U-Pb ages, Ti and REE were determined by SHRIMP-RG for a subset of zircon spots adjacent to MI (1458 ± 18 Ma (PR-12); 1480 ± 45 Ma (PR-91)). MI glasses range from fresh and homogeneous dacite-rhyolite (65-75 wt% SiO2) to heterogeneous, patchy mixtures of K-spar and quartz (PR-12, 91), and more rarely mica, albite and/or anorthoclase (PR-91). MI are commonly attached to monazite and xenotime, particularly along re-entrants and zircon rims (PR-91). Fresh dacite-rhyolite glasses (PR-12) have moderate H2O (~2-2.5 wt%), Rb/Sr ratios (~8) and U (~5-7 ppm), and negative (chondrite-normalized) Eu anomalies (Eu ~0.4-0.7 ppm) (typical of rhyolites), whereas HREEs (Tb, Ho, Tm) are elevated (~2-3 ppm). Patchy K-spar and quartz inclusions (PR-12, 91) have flat LREE patterns, and positive anomalies in Tb, Ho, and Tm. One K-spar inclusion (PR-91) has a ~5-50 fold increase in HREEs (Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) and U (35 ppm) relative to other MI. U-Pb and REE analyses of its zircon host are not unusual (1484 ± 21 Ma); its irregular shape surrounded by a CL-bright zone (Ti-in-zircon = 713°C) is a commonly observed texture and suggests resorption. Silicic magmatism at Pea Ridge was complex, with zircons trapping both pristine melt and poly-phase mixtures that span a range of REE contents. Most MI have lower REE contents than would be expected for significant magmatic REE contribution to the Pea Ridge IOA-REE deposit.

Uptake of heavy metals by Typha capensis from wetland sites polluted by effluent from mineral processing plants: implications of metal-metal interactions.

PubMed

Zaranyika, M F; Nyati, W

2017-10-01

The aim of the present work was to demonstrate the existence of metal-metal interactions in plants and their implications for the absorption of toxic elements like Cr. Typha capensis , a good accumulator of heavy metals, was chosen for the study. Levels of Fe, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were determined in the soil and roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of T. capensis from three Sites A, B and C polluted by effluent from a chrome ore processing plant, a gold ore processing plant, and a nickel ore processing plant, respectively. The levels of Cr were extremely high at Site A at 5415 and 786-16,047 μg g -1 dry weight in the soil and the plant, respectively, while the levels of Ni were high at Site C at 176 and 24-891 μg g -1 in the soil and the plant, respectively. The levels of Fe were high at all three sites at 2502-7500 and 906-13,833 μg g -1 in the soil and plant, respectively. For the rest of the metals, levels were modest at 8.5-148 and 2-264 μg g -1 in the soil and plant, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis confirmed mutual synergistic metal-metal interactions in the uptake of Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, and Cr, which are attributed to the similarity in the radii and coordination geometry of the cations of these elements. The implications of such metal-metal interactions (or effects of one metal on the behaviour of another) on the uptake of Cr, a toxic element, and possible Cr detoxification mechanism within the plant, are discussed.

Stress analysis in oral obturator prostheses, part II: photoelastic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pesqueira, Aldiéris Alves; Goiato, Marcelo Coelho; da Silva, Emily Vivianne Freitas; Haddad, Marcela Filié; Moreno, Amália; Zahoui, Abbas; dos Santos, Daniela Micheline

2014-06-01

In part I of the study, two attachment systems [O-ring; bar-clip (BC)] were used, and the system with three individualized O-rings provided the lowest stress on the implants and the support tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the stress distribution, through the photoelastic method, on implant-retained palatal obturator prostheses associated with different attachment systems: BOC-splinted implants with a bar connected to two centrally placed O-rings, and BOD-splinted implants with a BC connected to two distally placed O-rings (cantilever). One photoelastic model of the maxilla with oral-sinus-nasal communication with three parallel implants was fabricated. Afterward, two implant-retained palatal obturator prostheses with the two attachment systems described above were constructed. Each assembly was positioned in a circular polariscope and a 100-N axial load was applied in three different regions with implants by using a universal testing machine. The results were obtained through photograph record analysis of stress. The BOD system exhibited the highest stress concentration, followed by the BOC system. The O-ring, centrally placed on the bar, allows higher mobility of the prostheses and homogeneously distributes the stress to the region of the alveolar ridge and implants. It can be concluded that the use of implants with O-rings, isolated or connected with a bar, to rehabilitate maxillectomized patients allows higher prosthesis mobility and homogeneously distributes the stress to the alveolar ridge region, which may result in greater chewing stress distribution to implants and bone tissue. The clinical implication of the augmented bone support loss after maxillectomy is the increase of stress in the attachment systems and, consequently, a higher tendency for displacement of the prosthesis.

Analytical Results for 42 Fluvial Tailings Cores and 7 Stream Sediment Samples from High Ore Creek, Northern Jefferson County, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fey, David L.; Church, Stan E.

1998-01-01

Metal-mining related wastes in the Boulder River basin study area in northern Jefferson County, Montana have been implicated in their detrimental effects on water quality with regard to acid-generation and toxic-metal solubility. Sediments, fluvial tailings and water from High Ore Creek have been identified as significant contributors to water quality degradation of the Boulder River below Basin, Montana. A study of 42 fluvial tailings cores and 7 stream sediments from High Ore Creek was undertaken to determine the concentrations of environmentally sensitive elements (i.e. Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) present in these materials, and the mineral phases containing those elements. Two sites of fluvial deposition of mine-waste contaminated sediment on upper High Ore Creek were sampled using a one-inch soil probe. Forty-two core samples were taken producing 247 subsamples. The samples were analyzed by ICP-AES (inductively coupled-plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) using a total mixed-acid digestion. Results of the core analyses show that the elements described above are present at very high concentrations (to 22,000 ppm As, to 460 ppm Ag, to 900 ppm Cd, 4,300 ppm Cu, 46,000ppm Pb, and 50,000 ppm Zn). Seven stream-sediment samples were also analyzed by ICP-AES for total element content and for leachable element content. Results show that the sediment of High Ore Creek has elevated levels of ore-related metals throughout its length, down to the confluence with the Boulder River, and that the metals are, to a significant degree, contained in the leachable phase, namely the hydrous amorphous iron- and manganese-hydroxide coatings on detrital sediment particles.

Metastable Eutectic Equilibrium in Natural Environments: Recent Developments and Research Opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Fans J. M.; Nuth, Joseph A., II; Jablonska, Mariola; Karner, James M.

2000-01-01

Chemical ordering at metastable eutectics was recognized in non-equilibrium gas-to- solid condensation experiments to constrain 'silicate' dust formation in O-rich circumstellar environments. The predictable metastable eutectic behavior successfully predicted the observed ferromagnesiosilica, compositions of circumstellar dust, presolar and solar nebula grains in the matrix of the collected aggregate IDPs. Many of the experimentally determined metastable eutectic solids match the fundamental building blocks of common rock-forming layer silicates: this could have implications for the origin of Life. The physical conditions conducive to metastable eutectic behavior, i.e. high temperature and (ultra)fast quenching, lead to unique amorphous, typically nano- to micrometer-sized, materials. The new paradigm of metastable eutectic behavior opens the door to new and exciting research opportunities in uncovering the many implications of these unique amorphous and typically nano- to micrometer-sized, metastable eutectic materials.

Radiation damage-controlled localization of alteration haloes in albite: implications for alteration types and patterns vis-à-vis mineralization and element mobilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, D. C.; Chaudhuri, T.

2016-12-01

Uraninite, besides occurring in other modes, occurs as inclusions in albite in feldspathic schist in the Bagjata uranium deposits, Singhbhum shear zone, India. The feldspathic schist, considered the product of Na-metasomatism, witnessed multiple hydrothermal events, the signatures of which are preserved in the alteration halo in albite surrounding uraninite. Here we report radiation damage-controlled localization of alteration halo in albite and its various geological implications. Microscopic observation and SRIM/TRIM simulations reveal that the dimension of the alteration halo is dependent collectively on the zone of maximum cumulative α dose that albite was subjected to and by the extent of dissolution of uraninite during alteration. In well-preserved alteration haloes, from uraninite to the unaltered part of albite, the alteration minerals are systematically distributed in different zones; zone-1: K-feldspar; zone-2: chlorite; zone-3: LREE-phase/pyrite/U-Y-silicate. Based on textures of alteration minerals in the alteration microdomain, we propose a generalized Na+➔K+➔H+ alteration sequence, which is in agreement with the regional-scale alteration pattern. Integrating distribution of ore and alteration minerals in the alteration zone and their geochemistry, we further propose multiple events of U, REE, and sulfide mineralization/mobilization in the Bagjata deposit. The alteration process also involved interaction of the hydrothermal fluid with uraninite inclusions resulting in resorption of uraninite, redistribution of elements, including U and Pb, and resetting of isotopic clock. Thus, our study demonstrates that alteration halo is a miniature scale-model of the regional hydrothermal alteration types and patterns vis-à-vis mineralization/mobilization. This study further demonstrates that albite is vulnerable to radiation damage and damage-controlled fluid-assisted alteration, which may redistribute metals, including actinides, from radioactive minerals included in albite. This has important implications in geochronology. Such a study can also provide important clues to the chemical behavior of granite, in which albite is a common constituent, in a physico-chemical ambience analogous to a site of deep borehole disposal of radioactive waste.

Derivation of intermediate to silicic magma from the basalt analyzed at the Vega 2 landing site, Venus.

PubMed

Shellnutt, J Gregory

2018-01-01

Geochemical modeling using the basalt composition analyzed at the Vega 2 landing site indicates that intermediate to silicic liquids can be generated by fractional crystallization and equilibrium partial melting. Fractional crystallization modeling using variable pressures (0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa) and relative oxidation states (FMQ 0 and FMQ -1) of either a wet (H2O = 0.5 wt%) or dry (H2O = 0 wt%) parental magma can yield silicic (SiO2 > 60 wt%) compositions that are similar to terrestrial ferroan rhyolite. Hydrous (H2O = 0.5 wt%) partial melting can yield intermediate (trachyandesite to andesite) to silicic (trachydacite) compositions at all pressures but requires relatively high temperatures (≥ 950°C) to generate the initial melt at intermediate to low pressure whereas at high pressure (0.5 GPa) the first melts will be generated at much lower temperatures (< 800°C). Anhydrous partial melt modeling yielded mafic (basaltic andesite) and alkaline compositions (trachybasalt) but the temperature required to produce the first liquid is very high (≥ 1130°C). Consequently, anhydrous partial melting is an unlikely process to generate derivative liquids. The modeling results indicate that, under certain conditions, the Vega 2 composition can generate silicic liquids that produce granitic and rhyolitic rocks. The implication is that silicic igneous rocks may form a small but important component of the northeast Aphrodite Terra.

Derivation of intermediate to silicic magma from the basalt analyzed at the Vega 2 landing site, Venus

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Geochemical modeling using the basalt composition analyzed at the Vega 2 landing site indicates that intermediate to silicic liquids can be generated by fractional crystallization and equilibrium partial melting. Fractional crystallization modeling using variable pressures (0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa) and relative oxidation states (FMQ 0 and FMQ -1) of either a wet (H2O = 0.5 wt%) or dry (H2O = 0 wt%) parental magma can yield silicic (SiO2 > 60 wt%) compositions that are similar to terrestrial ferroan rhyolite. Hydrous (H2O = 0.5 wt%) partial melting can yield intermediate (trachyandesite to andesite) to silicic (trachydacite) compositions at all pressures but requires relatively high temperatures (≥ 950°C) to generate the initial melt at intermediate to low pressure whereas at high pressure (0.5 GPa) the first melts will be generated at much lower temperatures (< 800°C). Anhydrous partial melt modeling yielded mafic (basaltic andesite) and alkaline compositions (trachybasalt) but the temperature required to produce the first liquid is very high (≥ 1130°C). Consequently, anhydrous partial melting is an unlikely process to generate derivative liquids. The modeling results indicate that, under certain conditions, the Vega 2 composition can generate silicic liquids that produce granitic and rhyolitic rocks. The implication is that silicic igneous rocks may form a small but important component of the northeast Aphrodite Terra. PMID:29584745

Sulfide-associated mineral assemblages in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa: platinum-group element enrichment by vapor refining by chloride-carbonate fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanitpanyacharoen, W.; Boudreau, A. E.

2013-02-01

The petrology of base metal sulfides and associated accessory minerals in rocks away from economically significant ore zones such as the Merensky Reef of the Bushveld Complex has previously received only scant attention, yet this information is critical in the evaluation of models for the formation of Bushveld-type platinum-group element (PGE) deposits. Trace sulfide minerals, primarily pyrite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and chalcopyrite are generally less than 100 microns in size, and occur as disseminated interstitial individual grains, as polyphase assemblages, and less commonly as inclusions in pyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine. Pyrite after pyrrhotite is commonly associated with low temperature greenschist alteration haloes around sulfide grains. Pyrrhotite hosted by Cr- and Ti-poor magnetite (Fe3O4) occurs in several samples from the Marginal to Lower Critical Zones below the platiniferous Merensky Reef. These grains occur with calcite that is in textural equilibrium with the igneous silicate minerals, occur with Cl-rich apatite, and are interpreted as resulting from high temperature sulfur loss during degassing of interstitial liquid. A quantitative model demonstrates how many of the first-order features of the Bushveld ore metal distribution could have developed by vapor refining of the crystal pile by chloride-carbonate-rich fluids during which sulfur and sulfide are continuously recycled, with sulfur moving from the interior of the crystal pile to the top during vapor degassing.

A method for the determination of vanadium and iron oxidation states in naturally occurring oxides and silicates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wanty, R.B.; Goldhaber, M.B.

1985-01-01

A valence-specific analytical method for determining V3+ in ore minerals has been developed that involves two steps: dissolution of a mineral sample without disturbing the V3+/Vtot ratio, followed by determination of V3+ in the presence of V4+. The samples are dissolved in a mixture of hydrofluoric and sulphuric acids at 100?? in Teflon-lined reaction vessels. Tervalent vanadium is then determined colorimetrically by formation of a V3+-thiocyanate complex in aqueous-acetone medium. Fe3+ is measured semi-quantitatively in the same solution. The method has been tested with two naturally occurring samples containing vanadium and iron. The results obtained were supported by those obtained by other methods, including electron spin resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Mo??ssbauer spectroscopy. ?? 1985.

The Role of Siliceous Hydrothermal Breccias in the Genesis of Volcanic Massive Sulphide Deposits - Ancient and Recent Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, I. A.; Barriga, F. J.; Fouquet, Y.

2014-12-01

Siliceous hydrothermal breccias were sampled in two Mid-Atlantic Ridge active sites: Lucky Strike and Menez Gwen. These hydrothermal fields are located in the border of the Azorean plateau, southwest of the Azores islands where the alteration processes affecting basaltic rocks are prominent (Costa et al., 2003). The hydrothermal breccias are genetically related with the circulation of low temperature hydrothermal fluids in diffuse vents. The groundmass of these breccias precipitates from the fluid and consolidates the clastic fragments mostly composed of basalt. The main sources are the surrounding volcanic hills. Breccias are found near hydrothermal vents and may play an important role in the protection of subseafloor hydrothermal deposits forming an impermeable cap due to the high content in siliceous material. The amorphous silica tends to precipitate when the fluid is conductively cooled as proposed by Fouquet et al. (1998) after Fournier (1983). The process evolves gradually from an initial stage where we have just the fragments and circulating seawater. The ascending hydrothermal fluid mixes with seawater, which favours the precipitation of the sulphide components. Sealing of the initially loose fragments begins, the temperature rises below this crust, and the processes of mixing fluid circulation and conductive cooling are simultaneous. At this stage the fluid becomes oversaturated with respect to amorphous silica. This form of silica can precipitate in the open spaces of the porous sulphides and seal the system. Normally this can happen at low temperatures. At this stage the hydrothermal breccia is formed creating a progressively less permeable, eventually impermeable cap rock at the surface. Once the fluid is trapped under this impermeable layer, conductive cooling is enhanced and mixing with seawater is restricted, making the precipitation of amorphous silica more efficient. Since the first discovery and description of recent mineralized submarine hydrothermal deposits, comparison with ancient volcanic massive sulphide deposits is appropriate. The proposed model can explain some of the processes taking place in the early phase of formation of old deposits where equivalent siliceous material is found in the hanging wall of the ore bodies (e.g. Barriga and Fyfe, 1988).

Influence of substrate mineralogy on bacterial mineralization of calcium carbonate: implications for stone conservation.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Navarro, Carlos; Jroundi, Fadwa; Schiro, Mara; Ruiz-Agudo, Encarnación; González-Muñoz, María Teresa

2012-06-01

The influence of mineral substrate composition and structure on bacterial calcium carbonate productivity and polymorph selection was studied. Bacterial calcium carbonate precipitation occurred on calcitic (Iceland spar single crystals, marble, and porous limestone) and silicate (glass coverslips, porous sintered glass, and quartz sandstone) substrates following culturing in liquid medium (M-3P) inoculated with different types of bacteria (Myxococcus xanthus, Brevundimonas diminuta, and a carbonatogenic bacterial community isolated from porous calcarenite stone in a historical building) and direct application of sterile M-3P medium to limestone and sandstone with their own bacterial communities. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 2-dimensional XRD (2D-XRD) analyses revealed that abundant highly oriented calcite crystals formed homoepitaxially on the calcitic substrates, irrespective of the bacterial type. Conversely, scattered spheroidal vaterite entombing bacterial cells formed on the silicate substrates. These results show that carbonate phase selection is not strain specific and that under equal culture conditions, the substrate type is the overruling factor for calcium carbonate polymorph selection. Furthermore, carbonate productivity is strongly dependent on the mineralogy of the substrate. Calcitic substrates offer a higher affinity for bacterial attachment than silicate substrates, thereby fostering bacterial growth and metabolic activity, resulting in higher production of calcium carbonate cement. Bacterial calcite grows coherently over the calcitic substrate and is therefore more chemically and mechanically stable than metastable vaterite, which formed incoherently on the silicate substrates. The implications of these results for technological applications of bacterial carbonatogenesis, including building stone conservation, are discussed.

A review of the contrasting behavior of two magmatic volatiles: Chlorine and carbon dioxide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lowenstern, J. B.

2000-01-01

Chlorine (Cl) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are common magmatic volatiles with contrasting behaviors. CO2 solubility increases with pressure whereas Cl solubility shows relatively little pressure or temperature effect. CO2 speciation changes with silicate melt composition, dissolving as carbonate in basaltic magmas and molecular CO2 in more silicic compositions. In H2O-bearing systems, the strongly non-ideal behavior of alkali chlorides causes unmixing of the volatile phase to form a H2O-rich vapor and a hydrosaline phase with important implications for the maximum concentration of Cl in magmas. Addition of CO2 to magma hastens immiscibility at crustal pressures (<500 MPa), inducing the formation of CO2-rich vapors and Cl-rich hydrosaline melts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.Chlorine (Cl) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are common magmatic volatiles with contrasting behaviors. CO2 solubility increases with pressure whereas Cl solubility shows relatively little pressure or temperature effect. CO2 speciation changes with silicate melt composition, dissolving as carbonate in basaltic magmas and molecular CO2 in more silicic compositions. In H2O-bearing systems, the strongly non-ideal behavior of alkali chlorides causes unmixing of the volatile phase to form a H2O-rich vapor and a hydrosaline phase with important implications for the maximum concentration of Cl in magmas. Addition of CO2 to magma hastens immiscibility at crustal pressures (<500 MPa), inducing the formation of CO2-rich vapors and Cl-rich hydrosaline melts.

Influence of Substrate Mineralogy on Bacterial Mineralization of Calcium Carbonate: Implications for Stone Conservation

PubMed Central

Jroundi, Fadwa; Schiro, Mara; Ruiz-Agudo, Encarnación; González-Muñoz, María Teresa

2012-01-01

The influence of mineral substrate composition and structure on bacterial calcium carbonate productivity and polymorph selection was studied. Bacterial calcium carbonate precipitation occurred on calcitic (Iceland spar single crystals, marble, and porous limestone) and silicate (glass coverslips, porous sintered glass, and quartz sandstone) substrates following culturing in liquid medium (M-3P) inoculated with different types of bacteria (Myxococcus xanthus, Brevundimonas diminuta, and a carbonatogenic bacterial community isolated from porous calcarenite stone in a historical building) and direct application of sterile M-3P medium to limestone and sandstone with their own bacterial communities. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 2-dimensional XRD (2D-XRD) analyses revealed that abundant highly oriented calcite crystals formed homoepitaxially on the calcitic substrates, irrespective of the bacterial type. Conversely, scattered spheroidal vaterite entombing bacterial cells formed on the silicate substrates. These results show that carbonate phase selection is not strain specific and that under equal culture conditions, the substrate type is the overruling factor for calcium carbonate polymorph selection. Furthermore, carbonate productivity is strongly dependent on the mineralogy of the substrate. Calcitic substrates offer a higher affinity for bacterial attachment than silicate substrates, thereby fostering bacterial growth and metabolic activity, resulting in higher production of calcium carbonate cement. Bacterial calcite grows coherently over the calcitic substrate and is therefore more chemically and mechanically stable than metastable vaterite, which formed incoherently on the silicate substrates. The implications of these results for technological applications of bacterial carbonatogenesis, including building stone conservation, are discussed. PMID:22447589

Behavior of Colorado Plateau uranium minerals during oxidation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garrels, Robert Minard; Christ, C.L.

1956-01-01

Uranium occurs as U(VI) and U(IV) in minerals of the Colorado Plateau ores. The number of species containing U(VI) is large, but only two U(IV) minerals are known from the Plateau: uraninite, and oxide, and coffinite, a hydroxy-silicate. These oxidize to yield U(VI) before reacting significantly with other mineral constituents. Crystal-structure analysis has shown that U(VI) invariable occurs as uranyl ion, UO2+2. Uranyl ion may form complex carbonate or sulfate ions with resulting soluble compounds, but only in the absence of quinquevalent vanadium, arsenic, or phosphorous. In the presence of these elements in the +5 valence state, the uranyl ion is fixed in insoluble layer compounds formed by union of uranyl ion with orthovanadate, orthophosphate, or orthoarsenate. Under favorable conditions UO2+2 may react to form the relatively insoluble rutherfordine, UO2CO3, or hydrated uranyl hydroxides. These are rarely found on the Colorado Plateau as opposed to their excellent development in other uraniferous areas, a condition which is apparently related to the semiarid climate and low water table of the Plateau. Uranium may also be fixed as uranyl silicate, but little is known about minerals of this kind. In the present study emphasis has been placed on a detailing of the chemical and crystal structural changes which occur in the oxidation paragenetic sequence.

Metastable Eutectic Equilibrium in Natural Environments: Recent Development and Research Opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.; Nuth, Joseph A., III; Jablonska, Mariola; Karner, James M.

2000-01-01

Chemical ordering at metastable eutectics was recognized in non-equilibrium gas-to- solid condensation experiments to constrain 'silicate' dust formation in O-rich circumstellar environments. The predictable metastable eutectic behavior successfully predicted the observed ferromagnesiosilica compositions of circumstellar dust presolar and solar nebula grains in the matrix of the collected aggregate IDPs (Interplanetary Dust Particles). Many of the experimentally determined metastable eutectic solids match the fundamental building blocks of common rock-forming layer silicates: this could have implications for the origin of Life. The physical conditions conducive to metastable eutectic behavior, i.e. high temperature and (ultra) fast quenching, lead to unique amorphous, typically nano- to micrometer-sized, materials. The new paradigm of metastable eutectic behavior opens the door to new and exciting research opportunities in uncovering the many implications of these unique amorphous, and typically nano-to micrometer-sized, metastable eutectic materials.

ELEMENTAL MERCURY IN COPPER, SILVER, AND GOLD ORES: AN UNEXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO LAKE SUPERIOR SEDIMENTS WITH GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Mercury and copper inventories are low in central Lake Superior and increase markedly towards the Keweenaw Peninsula...where copper, mercury, and silver inventories are elevated and highly correlated. High copper, silver, and mercury inventories can be traced back to shoreline st...

MERCURY IN STAMP SAND DISCHARGES: IMPLICATIONS FOR LAKE SUPERIOR MERCURY CYCLING

EPA Science Inventory

Approximately a half billion tons of waste rock from the extraction of native copper and silver ores was discharged into the Lake Superior basin. Stamping was the method of choice to recover these metals from the surrounding poor rock. This process created large amounts of extre...

Origins of saccharide-dependent hydration at aluminate, silicate, and aluminosilicate surfaces.

PubMed

Smith, Benjamin J; Rawal, Aditya; Funkhouser, Gary P; Roberts, Lawrence R; Gupta, Vijay; Israelachvili, Jacob N; Chmelka, Bradley F

2011-05-31

Sugar molecules adsorbed at hydrated inorganic oxide surfaces occur ubiquitously in nature and in technologically important materials and processes, including marine biomineralization, cement hydration, corrosion inhibition, bioadhesion, and bone resorption. Among these examples, surprisingly diverse hydration behaviors are observed for oxides in the presence of saccharides with closely related compositions and structures. Glucose, sucrose, and maltodextrin, for example, exhibit significant differences in their adsorption selectivities and alkaline reaction properties on hydrating aluminate, silicate, and aluminosilicate surfaces that are shown to be due to the molecular architectures of the saccharides. Solid-state (1)H, (13)C, (29)Si, and (27)Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements, including at very high magnetic fields (19 T), distinguish and quantify the different molecular species, their chemical transformations, and their site-specific adsorption on different aluminate and silicate moieties. Two-dimensional NMR results establish nonselective adsorption of glucose degradation products containing carboxylic acids on both hydrated silicates and aluminates. In contrast, sucrose adsorbs intact at hydrated silicate sites and selectively at anhydrous, but not hydrated, aluminate moieties. Quantitative surface force measurements establish that sucrose adsorbs strongly as multilayers on hydrated aluminosilicate surfaces. The molecular structures and physicochemical properties of the saccharides and their degradation species correlate well with their adsorption behaviors. The results explain the dramatically different effects that small amounts of different types of sugars have on the rates at which aluminate, silicate, and aluminosilicate species hydrate, with important implications for diverse materials and applications.

Genesis of the central zone of the Nolans Bore rare earth element deposit, Northern Territory, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoneveld, Louise; Spandler, Carl; Hussey, Kelvin

2015-08-01

The Nolans Bore rare earth element (REE) deposit consists of a network of fluorapatite-bearing veins and breccias hosted within Proterozoic granulites of the Reynolds Range, Central Australia. Mineralisation is divided into three zones (north, central, and south-east), with the north and south-east zones consisting of massive REE-bearing fluorapatite veins, with minor brecciation and carbonate infill. The central zone is distinctively different in mineralogy and structure; it features extensive brecciation, a high allanite content, and a large, epidote-rich enveloping alteration zone. The central zone is a reworking of the original solid apatite veins that formed during the Chewings Orogeny at ca. 1525 Ma. These original apatite veins are thought to derive from phosphate-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluid exsolved from as-yet unrecognised alkaline magmatic bodies at depth. We define four ore breccia types (BX1-4) in the central zone on the basis of detailed petrological and geochemical analysis of drillcore and thin sections. BX1 ore comprises fluorapatite with minor crackle brecciation with carbonate infill and resembles ore of the north and south-east zones. Breccia types BX2, BX3, and BX4 represent progressive stages of ore brecciation and development of calc-silicate mineral (amphibole, epidote, allanite, calcite) infill. Comparison of bulk ore sample geochemistry between breccia types indicates that REEs were not mobilised more than a few centimetres during hydrothermal alteration and brecciation. Instead, most of the REEs were partitioned from the original REE fluorapatite into newly formed allanite, REE-poor fluorapatite and minor REE carbonate in the breccias. Negative europium (Eu) anomalies in the breccia minerals are accounted for by a large positive Eu anomaly in epidote from the alteration zones surrounding the ore breccias. This observation provides a direct link between ore recrystallisation and brecciation, and the formation of the alteration halo in the surrounding host rocks. Where allanite and fluorapatite are texturally related, the fluorapatite is relatively depleted in the light rare earth elements (LREEs), whereas allanite is relatively LREE enriched, suggesting co-crystallisation. We tentatively date the BX1 ore stage to 1440 ± 80 Ma based on U-Pb dating of thorianite. Sm-Nd isotope isochrons derived from in situ isotope analysis of cognate apatite and allanite date the BX2 and BX3 events to ca. 400 Ma, while U-Pb dating of late-stage monazite from the BX4 ore stage returned an age of ca. 350 Ma. Therefore, formation of the central zone at Nolans Bore involved multiple alteration/brecciation events that collectively span over 1 billion years in duration. We suggest that the BX1-type veins and breccias were formed from REE-rich, saline (F- and Cl-bearing) fluids that infiltrated the granulite-grade host rocks in association with either shear activation events of the Redbank Shear Zone (1500-1400 Ma) or intrusion of late-stage pegmatites of the Mt Boothby area. BX2, BX3, and BX4 events record deformation and hydrothermal alteration associated with the Alice Springs Orogeny (400-350 Ma). These hydrothermal events occurred at temperatures of 450 to ~600 °C, due to inflow of highly acidic hydrous fluids derived from a magmatic source, or from mixing of meteoric and metamorphic fluids. Our data testify to the long and complex geological history of not only the Nolans Bore REE deposit, but also of the rocks of the eastern Reynolds Range, and demonstrate the great utility of using hydrothermally derived REE minerals to trace the timing of crustal deformation events and source of associated hydrothermal fluids.

The redox potential of boron nitride and implications for its use as a crucible material in experimental petrology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wendlandt, R. F.; Huebner, J. S.; Harrison, W. J.

1982-01-01

The suitability of boron nitride for use as a crucible material in silicate and oxygen-bearing metal sulfide systems has been investigated. Boron nitride is unsatisfactory for use with many silicate systems because its presence in combination with a source of oxygen establishes the oxygen fugacity at values below that of the assemblage quartz + fayalite + iron, reducing transition metal ions such as Ni(2+) and Fe(2+) to the metallic state. B2O3, resulting from the oxidation of BN, acts as a flux to promote formation of melt.

Germanium enrichment in supergene settings: evidence from the Cristal nonsulfide Zn prospect, Bongará district, northern Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondillo, Nicola; Arfè, Giuseppe; Herrington, Richard; Boni, Maria; Wilkinson, Clara; Mormone, Angela

2018-02-01

Supergene nonsulfide ores form from the weathering of sulfide mineralization. Given the geochemical affinity of Ge to Si4+ and Fe3+, weathering of Ge-bearing sulfides could potentially lead to Ge enrichments in silicate and Fe-oxy-hydroxide minerals, although bulk rock Ge concentrations in supergene nonsulfide deposits are rarely reported. Here, we present the results of an investigation into Ge concentrations and deportment in the Cristal supergene Zn nonsulfide prospect (Bongará, northern Peru), which formed from the weathering of a preexisting Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) sulfide deposit. Material examined in this study originates from drillcore recovered from oxidized Zn-rich bodies 15-20 m thick, containing 5-45 wt% Zn and Ge concentrations 100 ppm. Microanalysis and laser ablation-ICP-MS show that precursor sphalerite is rich in both Fe (mean Fe = 8.19 wt%) and Ge (mean Ge = 142 ppm). Using the mineral geothermometer GGIMFis—geothermometer for Ga, Ge, In, Mn, and Fe in sphalerite—proposed by Frenzel et al. (Ore Geol Rev 76:52-78, 2016), sphalerite trace element data from the Cristal prospect suggest a possible formation temperature ( T GGIMFis) of 225 ± 50 °C, anomalously high for a MVT deposit. Germanium concentrations measured in both goethite (mean values 100 to 229 ppm, max 511 ppm) and hemimorphite (mean values 39 to 137 ppm, max 258 ppm) are similar to concentrations measured in hypogene sphalerite. Additionally, the Ge concentrations recorded in bulk rock analyses of sphalerite-bearing and oxidized samples are also similar. A persistent warm-humid climate is interpreted for the region, resulting in the development of an oxidation zone favoring the formation of abundant Zn hydrosilicates and Fe hydroxides, both able to incorporate Ge in their crystal structure. In this scenario, Ge has been prevented from dispersion during the weathering of the Ge-bearing sulfide bodies and remains in the resultant nonsulfide ore.

Organic Biomarker Preservation in Silica-Rich Hydrothermal Systems with Implications to Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahnke, L. L.; Parenteau, M. N.; Farmer, J. D.

2016-05-01

Microbial community structure and preservation of organic matter in siliceous hydrothermal environments is a critical issue given the discovery of hydrothermal vents and silica on Mars. Here we discuss preservation of cyanobacterial biomarker lipid.

Geology and porphyry copper-type alteration-mineralization of igneous rocks at the Christmas Mine, Gila County, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Koski, Randolph A.

1979-01-01

The Christmas copper deposit, located in southern Gila County, Arizona, is part of the major porphyry copper province of southwestern North America. Although Christmas is known for skarn deposits in Paleozoic carbonate rocks, ore-grade porphyry-type copper mineralization also occurs in a composite granodioritic intrusive complex and adjacent mafic volcanic country rocks. This study considers the nature, distribution, and genesis of alteration-mineralization in the igneous rock environment at Christmas. At the southeast end of the Dripping Spring Mountains, the Pennsylvanian Naco Limestone is unconformably overlain by the Cretaceous Williamson Canyon Volcanics, a westward-thinning sequence of basaltic volcanic breccia and lava flows, and subordinate clastic sedimentary rocks. Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata are intruded by Laramide-age dikes, sills, and small stocks of hornblende andesite porphyry and hornblende rhyodacite porphyry, and the mineralized Christmas intrusive complex. Rocks of the elongate Christmas stock, intruded along an east-northeast-trending fracture zone, are grouped into early, veined quartz diorite (Dark Phase), biotite granodiorite porphyry (Light Phase), and granodiorite; and late, unveined dacite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry. Biotite rhyodacite porphyry dikes extending east and west from the vicinity of the stock are probably coeval with biotite granodiorite porphyry. Accumulated normal displacement of approximately 1 km along the northwest-trending Christmas-Joker fault system has juxtaposed contrasting levels (lower, intrusive-carbonate rock environment and upper, intrusive-volcanic rock environment) within the porphyry copper system. K-Ar age determinations and whole-rock chemical analyses of the major intrusive rock types indicate that Laramide calc-alkaline magmatism and ore deposition at Christmas evolved over an extended period from within the Late Cretaceous (~75-80 m.y. ago) to early Paleocene (~63-61 m.y. ago). The sequence of igneous rocks is progressively more alkaline and silicic from basalt to granodiorite. Early (Stage I) chalcopyrite-bornite (-molybdenite) mineralization and genetically related K-silicate alteration are centered on the Christmas stock. K-silicate alteration is manifested by pervasive hornblende-destructive biotitization in the stock, biotitization of basaltic volcanic wall rocks, and a continuous stockwork of K-feldspar veinlets and quartz-K-feldspar veins in the stock and quartz-sulfide veins in volcanic rocks. Younger (Stage II) pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization and quartz-sericite-chlorite alteration occur in a zone overlapping with but largely peripheral to the zone of Stage I stockwork veins. Within the Christmas intrusive complex, K-silicate-altered rocks in the central stock are flanked east and west by zones of fracture-controlled quartz-sericite alteration and strong pyritization. In volcanic rocks quartz-chlorite-pyrite-chalcopyrite veins are superimposed on earlier biotitization and crosscut Stage I quartz-sulfide veins. Beyond the zones of quartz-sericite alteration, biotite rhyodacite porphyry dikes contain the propylitic alteration assemblage epidote-chlorite-albite-sphene. Chemical analyses indicate the following changes during pervasive alteration of igneous rocks: (1) addition of Si, K, H, S, and Cu, and loss of Fe 3+ and Ca during intense biotitization of basalt; (2) loss of Na and Ca, increase of Fe3+/Fe2+, and strong H-metasomatism during sericitization of quartz diorite; and (3) increase in Ca, Na, and Fe3+/Fe2+, and loss of K during intense propylitization of biotite rhyodacite porphyry dikes. Thorough biotitization of biotite granodiorite porphyry in the Christmas stock was largely an isochemical process. Fluid-inclusion petrography reveals that Stage I veins are characterized by low to moderate populations of moderate-salinity and gas-rich inclusions, and sparse but ubiquitous halite-bearing inclusions. Moderate-salinity an

Silicates Eroded under Simulated Martian Conditions Effectively Kill Bacteria—A Challenge for Life on Mars

PubMed Central

Bak, Ebbe N.; Larsen, Michael G.; Moeller, Ralf; Nissen, Silas B.; Jensen, Lasse R.; Nørnberg, Per; Jensen, Svend J. K.; Finster, Kai

2017-01-01

The habitability of Mars is determined by the physical and chemical environment. The effect of low water availability, temperature, low atmospheric pressure and strong UV radiation has been extensively studied in relation to the survival of microorganisms. In addition to these stress factors, it was recently found that silicates exposed to simulated saltation in a Mars-like atmosphere can lead to a production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we have investigated the stress effect induced by quartz and basalt abraded in Mars-like atmospheres by examining the survivability of the three microbial model organisms Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Deinococcus radiodurans upon exposure to the abraded silicates. We found that abraded basalt that had not been in contact with oxygen after abrasion killed more than 99% of the vegetative cells while endospores were largely unaffected. Exposure of the basalt samples to oxygen after abrasion led to a significant reduction in the stress effect. Abraded quartz was generally less toxic than abraded basalt. We suggest that the stress effect of abraded silicates may be caused by a production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced by transition metal ions in the basalt leading to hydroxyl radicals through Fenton-like reactions. The low survivability of the usually highly resistant D. radiodurans indicates that the effect of abraded silicates, as is ubiquitous on the Martian surface, would limit the habitability of Mars as well as the risk of forward contamination. Furthermore, the reactivity of abraded silicates could have implications for future manned missions, although the lower effect of abraded silicates exposed to oxygen suggests that the effects would be reduced in human habitats. PMID:28955310

Silicates Eroded under Simulated Martian Conditions Effectively Kill Bacteria-A Challenge for Life on Mars.

PubMed

Bak, Ebbe N; Larsen, Michael G; Moeller, Ralf; Nissen, Silas B; Jensen, Lasse R; Nørnberg, Per; Jensen, Svend J K; Finster, Kai

2017-01-01

The habitability of Mars is determined by the physical and chemical environment. The effect of low water availability, temperature, low atmospheric pressure and strong UV radiation has been extensively studied in relation to the survival of microorganisms. In addition to these stress factors, it was recently found that silicates exposed to simulated saltation in a Mars-like atmosphere can lead to a production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we have investigated the stress effect induced by quartz and basalt abraded in Mars-like atmospheres by examining the survivability of the three microbial model organisms Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis , and Deinococcus radiodurans upon exposure to the abraded silicates. We found that abraded basalt that had not been in contact with oxygen after abrasion killed more than 99% of the vegetative cells while endospores were largely unaffected. Exposure of the basalt samples to oxygen after abrasion led to a significant reduction in the stress effect. Abraded quartz was generally less toxic than abraded basalt. We suggest that the stress effect of abraded silicates may be caused by a production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced by transition metal ions in the basalt leading to hydroxyl radicals through Fenton-like reactions. The low survivability of the usually highly resistant D. radiodurans indicates that the effect of abraded silicates, as is ubiquitous on the Martian surface, would limit the habitability of Mars as well as the risk of forward contamination. Furthermore, the reactivity of abraded silicates could have implications for future manned missions, although the lower effect of abraded silicates exposed to oxygen suggests that the effects would be reduced in human habitats.

Tip-induced nanoreactor for silicate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ming; Ma, Liran; Liang, Yong; Gao, Yuan; Luo, Jianbin

2015-09-01

Nanoscale scientific issues have attracted an increasing amount of research interest due to their specific size-effect and novel structure-property. From macro to nano, materials present some unique chemical reactivity that bulk materials do not own. Here we introduce a facile method to generate silicate with nanoscale control based on the establishment of a confined space between a meso/nanoscale tungsten tip and a smooth silica/silicon substrate. During the process, local water-like droplets deposition can be obviously observed in the confinement between the Si/SiO2 surfaces and the KOH-modified tungsten tip. By the combination of in-situ optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, we were able to take a deep insight of both the product composition and the underlying mechanism of such phenomena. It was indicated that such nanoreactor for silicate could be quite efficient as a result of the local capillarity and electric field effect, with implications at both nano and meso scales.

Tip-induced nanoreactor for silicate.

PubMed

Gao, Ming; Ma, Liran; Liang, Yong; Gao, Yuan; Luo, Jianbin

2015-09-14

Nanoscale scientific issues have attracted an increasing amount of research interest due to their specific size-effect and novel structure-property. From macro to nano, materials present some unique chemical reactivity that bulk materials do not own. Here we introduce a facile method to generate silicate with nanoscale control based on the establishment of a confined space between a meso/nanoscale tungsten tip and a smooth silica/silicon substrate. During the process, local water-like droplets deposition can be obviously observed in the confinement between the Si/SiO2 surfaces and the KOH-modified tungsten tip. By the combination of in-situ optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, we were able to take a deep insight of both the product composition and the underlying mechanism of such phenomena. It was indicated that such nanoreactor for silicate could be quite efficient as a result of the local capillarity and electric field effect, with implications at both nano and meso scales.

Tip-induced nanoreactor for silicate

PubMed Central

Gao, Ming; Ma, Liran; Liang, Yong; Gao, Yuan; Luo, Jianbin

2015-01-01

Nanoscale scientific issues have attracted an increasing amount of research interest due to their specific size-effect and novel structure-property. From macro to nano, materials present some unique chemical reactivity that bulk materials do not own. Here we introduce a facile method to generate silicate with nanoscale control based on the establishment of a confined space between a meso/nanoscale tungsten tip and a smooth silica/silicon substrate. During the process, local water-like droplets deposition can be obviously observed in the confinement between the Si/SiO2 surfaces and the KOH-modified tungsten tip. By the combination of in-situ optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, we were able to take a deep insight of both the product composition and the underlying mechanism of such phenomena. It was indicated that such nanoreactor for silicate could be quite efficient as a result of the local capillarity and electric field effect, with implications at both nano and meso scales. PMID:26364882

Partitioning of K, U, and Th between sulfide and silicate liquids - Implications for radioactive heating of planetary cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murrell, M. T.; Burnett, D. S.

1986-01-01

Experimental partitioning studies are reported of K, U, and Th between silicate and FeFeS liquids designed to test the proposal that actinide partitioning into sulfide liquids is more important then K partitioning in the radioactive heating of planetary cores. For a basaltic liquid at 1450 C and 1.5 GPa, U partitioning into FeFeS liquids is five times greater than K partitioning. A typical value for the liquid partition coefficient for U from a granitic silicate liquid at one atmosphere at 1150 C and low fO2 is about 0.02; the coefficient for Th is similar. At low fO2 and higher temperature, experiments with basaltic liquids produce strong Ca and U partitioning into the sulfide liquid with U coefficient greater than one. The Th coefficient is less strongly affected.

Effect of Silicon on Activity Coefficients of P, Bi, Cd, Sn, and Ag in Liquid Fe-Si, and Implications for Core Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Pando, K.; Ross, D. K.; Righter, M.; Lapen, T. J.

2018-01-01

Cores of differentiated bodies (Earth, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Vesta) contain light elements such as S, C, Si, and O. We have previously measured small effects of Si on Ni and Co, and larger effects on Mo, Ge, Sb, As metal/silicate partitioning. The effect of Si on metal-silicate partitioning has been quantified for many siderophile elements, but there are a few key elements for which the effects are not yet quantified. Here we report new experiments designed to quantify the effect of Si on the partitioning of Bi, Cd, Sn, Ag, and P between metal and silicate melt. The results will be applied to Earth, Mars, Moon, and Vesta, for which we have good constraints on the mantle Bi, Cd, Sn, Ag, and P concentrations from mantle and/or basalt samples.

Coordination of Fe, Ga and Ge in high pressure glasses by Moessbauer, Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and geological implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleet, M. E.; Henderson, G. S.; Herzberg, C. T.; Crozier, E. D.; Osborne, M. D.; Scarfe, C. M.

1984-01-01

For some time, it has been recognized that the structure of silicate liquids has a great bearing on such magma properties as viscosity, diffusivity, and thermal expansion and on the extrapolation of thermodynamic quantities outside of the experimentally measurable range. In this connection it is vital to know if pressure imposes changes in melt structure similar to the pressure-induced reconstructive transformations in crystals. In the present study on 1 bar and high pressure glasses, an investigation is conducted regarding the coordination of Fe(3+) in Fe silicate glasses by Moessbauer spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is employed to explore the coordinations of Ge(4+) in GeO2 glasses and of Ga(3+) in NaGa silicate glasses, while the coordination of Ga(3+) in NaGaSiO4 glasses is studied with the aid of methods of X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

Coordination of Fe, Ga and Ge in high pressure glasses by Moessbauer, Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and geological implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleet, M. E.; Herzberg, C. T.; Henderson, G. S.; Crozier, E. D.; Osborne, M. D.; Scarfe, C. M.

1984-07-01

For some time, it has been recognized that the structure of silicate liquids has a great bearing on such magma properties as viscosity, diffusivity, and thermal expansion and on the extrapolation of thermodynamic quantities outside of the experimentally measurable range. In this connection it is vital to know if pressure imposes changes in melt structure similar to the pressure-induced reconstructive transformations in crystals. In the present study on 1 bar and high pressure glasses, an investigation is conducted regarding the coordination of Fe(3+) in Fe silicate glasses by Moessbauer spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is employed to explore the coordinations of Ge(4+) in GeO2 glasses and of Ga(3+) in NaGa silicate glasses, while the coordination of Ga(3+) in NaGaSiO4 glasses is studied with the aid of methods of X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

High salinity volatile phases in magmatic Ni-Cu-platinum group element deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanley, J. J.; Mungall, J. E.

2004-12-01

The role of "deuteric" fluids (exsolved magmatic volatile phases) in the development of Ni-Cu-PGE (platinum group element) deposits in mafic-ultramafic igneous systems is poorly understood. Although considerable field evidence demonstrates unambiguously that fluids modified most large primary Ni-Cu-PGE concentrations, models which hypothesize that fluids alone were largely responsible for the economic concentration of the base and precious metals are not widely accepted. Determination of the trace element composition of magmatic volatile phases in such ore-forming systems can offer considerable insight into the origin of potentially mineralizing fluids in such igneous environments. Laser ablation ICP-MS microanalysis allows researchers to confirm the original metal budget of magmatic volatile phases and quantify the behavior of trace ore metals in the fluid phase in the absence of well-constrained theoretical or experimental predictions of ore metal solubility. In this study, we present new evidence from major deposits (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Stillwater Complex, Montana, U.S.A.) that compositionally distinct magmatic brines and halide melt phases were exsolved from crystallizing residual silicate melt and trapped within high-T fluid conduits now comprised of evolved rock compositions (albite-quartz graphic granite, orthoclase-quartz granophyre). Petrographic evidence demonstrates that brines and halide melts coexisted with immiscible carbonic phases at the time of entrapment (light aliphatic hydrocarbons, CO2). Brine and halide melt inclusions are rich in Na, Fe, Mn, K, Pb, Zn, Ba, Sr, Al and Cl, and homogenize by either halite dissolution at high T ( ˜450-700° C) or by melting of the salt phase (700-800° C). LA-ICPMS analyses of single inclusions demonstrate that high salinity volatile phases contained abundant base metals (Cu, Fe, Sn, Bi) and precious metals (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag) at the time of entrapment. Notably, precious metal concentrations in the inclusions are comparable to and often exceed the economic concentrations of the metals within the ores themselves. As a consequence of these results, current genetic models must be revised to consider the role played by hydrous saline melts and magmatic brines in deposit development, and the potential for interaction and competition between sulfide liquids (or PGE-bearing sulfide minerals) and hydrosaline volatiles for available PGE and Au in a crystallizing mafic igneous system must be critically evaluated.

Hydrothermal ore-forming processes in the light of studies in rock- buffered systems: I. Iron-copper-zinc-lead sulfide solubility relations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hemley, J.J.; Cygan, G.L.; Fein, J.B.; Robinson, G.R.; d'Angelo, W. M.

1992-01-01

Experimental studies, using cold-seal and extraction vessel techniques, were conducted on Fe, Pb, Zn, and Cu sulfide solubilities in chloride soultions at temperatures from 300?? to 700??C and pressures from 0.5 to 2 kbars. The solutions were buffered in pH by quartz monzonite and the pure potassium feldspar-muscovite-quartz assemblage and in fS2-fO2 largely by the assemblage pyrite-pyrrhotite-magnetite. Solubilities increase with increasing temperature and total chloride, and decrease with increasing pressure. The effect of increasing chloride concentration on solubility reflects primarily a shift to lower pH via the silicate buffer reactions. Similarity in behaviour with respect to the temperature and pressure of Fe, Zn, and Pb sulfide solubilities points to similarity in chloride speciation, and the neutral species appear to be dominant in the high-temperature region. -from Authors

Late Cretaceous porphyry copper mineralization in Sonora, Mexico: Implications for the evolution of the Southwest North America porphyry copper province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barra, Fernando; Valencia, Victor A.

2014-10-01

Two porphyry Cu-Mo prospects in northern Sonora, Mexico (Fortuna del Cobre and Los Humos) located within the southwestern North American porphyry province have been dated in order to constrain the timing of crystallization and mineralization of these ore deposits. In Fortuna del Cobre, the pre-mineralization granodiorite porphyry yielded an U-Pb zircon age of 76.5 ± 2.3 Ma, whereas two samples from the ore-bearing quartz feldespathic porphyry were dated at 74.6 ± 1.3 and 75.0 ± 1.4 Ma. Four molybdenite samples from Los Humos porphyry Cu prospect yielded a weighted average Re-Os age of 73.5 ± 0.2 Ma, whereas two samples from the ore-bearing quartz monzonite porphyry gave U-Pb zircon ages of 74.4 ± 1.1 and 74.5 ± 1.3 Ma, showing a Late Cretaceous age for the emplacement of this ore deposit. The results indicate that Laramide porphyry Cu mineralization of Late Cretaceous age is not restricted to northern Arizona as previously thought and provide evidence for the definition of NS trending metallogenic belts that are parallel to the paleo-trench. Porphyry copper mineralization follows the inland migration trend of the magmatic arc as a result of the Farallon slab flattening during the Laramide orogeny.

Petrogenesis and metallogenesis of the Wajilitag and Puchang Fe-Ti oxide-rich intrusive complexes, northwestern Tarim Large Igneous Province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dongyang; Zhang, Zhaochong; Huang, He; Cheng, Zhiguo; Charlier, Bernard

2018-04-01

The Wajilitag and Puchang intrusive complexes of the Tarim large igneous province (TLIP) are associated with significant resources of Fe-Ti oxide ores. These two mafic-ultramafic intrusions show differences in lithology and mineral chemistry. Clinopyroxenite and melagabbro are the dominant rock types in the Wajilitag complex, whereas the Puchang complex is generally gabbroic and anorthositic in composition with minor plagioclase-bearing clinopyroxenites in the marginal zone. Disseminated Fe-Ti oxide ores are found in the Wajilitag complex and closely associated with clinopyroxenites, whereas the Puchang complex hosts massive to disseminated Fe-Ti oxide ores mainly within its gabbroic rocks. The Wajilitag intrusive rocks are characterized by a restricted range of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7038-0.7048) and positive εNd(t) (+0.04 - +3.01), indicating insignificant involvement of continental crustal contamination. The slightly higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7039-0.7059) and lower εNd(t) values (-1.05 - +2.35) of the Puchang intrusive rocks also suggest that the isotopic characteristics was controlled primarily by their mantle source, rather than by crustal contamination. Both complexes have Sr-Nd isotopic compositions close the neighboring kimberlitic rocks and their hosted mantle xenoliths in the TLIP. This indicates that the ferrobasaltic parental magmas were most probably originated from partial melting of a metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle, modified recently with subduction-related materials by the impingement of the ascending mantle plume. The recycled subduction-related materials preserved in the lithospheric mantle could play a key role in the formation of the parental Fe-rich magmas in the context of an overall LIP system. The distinct variations in mineral assemblage for each complex and modeled results indicated that the Wajilitag and Puchang complexes experienced different crystallization path. Fe-Ti oxides in Wajilitag joined the liquidus earlier in the crystallization sequence, especially relative to the crystallization of plagioclase. This is attributed to the relatively high TFeO, TiO2 and initial H2O contents of the parental magma. In combination with definitive field and petrological evidence, the enrichment of highly incompatible elements (e.g., Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta) and the depletion of rare earth elements in the Fe-Ti oxide ores is consistent with the plausible interpretation that the ores could be formed by fractional crystallization and crystal accumulation of the Fe-Ti oxide crystals from the ferrobasaltic parental magmas. A considerable amount of the Fe-Ti oxides in the Puchang has transported and sunk from higher up in the chamber to the underlying unconsolidated silicate crystal pile. The highly dense Fe-Ti oxide crystal slurries further tended to effective accumulate Fe-Ti oxides to form high-grade Fe-Ti oxide ore bodies, and subsequent rapid collapse and intrusive into lower lithologies within the complex under a H2O-rich environment during the late-stage of magmatic differentiation. The development of massive Fe-Ti oxide ores in the case of the Puchang, could plausibly result from a combination of the protracted differentiation history of a Fe highly enriched parental magma and the later addition of external H2O from the country rocks (e.g., carbonates) to the slowly cooling magma chamber.

Experimentally determined sulfur isotope fractionation between metal and silicate and implications for planetary differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labidi, J.; Shahar, A.; Le Losq, C.; Hillgren, V. J.; Mysen, B. O.; Farquhar, J.

2016-02-01

The Earth's mantle displays a subchondritic 34S/32S ratio. Sulfur is a moderately siderophile element (i.e. iron-loving), and its partitioning into the Earth's core may have left such a distinctive isotope composition on the terrestrial mantle. In order to constrain the sulfur isotope fractionation occurring during core-mantle differentiation, high-pressure and temperature experiments were conducted with synthetic mixtures of metal and silicate melts. With the purpose to identify the mechanism(s) responsible for the S isotope fractionations, we performed our experiments in different capsules - namely, graphite and boron nitride capsules - and thus at different fO2, with varying major element chemistry of the silicate and metal fractions. The S isotope fractionations Δ34Smetal-silicate of equilibrated metal alloys versus silicate melts is +0.2 ± 0.1‰ in a boron-free and aluminum-poor system quenched at 1-1.5 GPa and 1650 °C. The isotope fractionation increases linearly with increasing boron and aluminum content, up to +1.4 ± 0.2‰, and is observed to be independent of the silicon abundance as well as of the fO2 over ∼3.5 log units of variations explored here. The isotope fractionations are also independent of the graphite or nitride saturation of the metal. Only the melt structural changes associated with aluminum and boron concentration in silicate melts have been observed to affect the strength of sulfur bonding. These results establish that the structure of silicate melts has a direct influence on the S2- average bonding strengths. These results can be interpreted in the context of planetary differentiation. Indeed, the structural environments of silicate evolve strongly with pressure. For example, the aluminum, iron or silicon coordination numbers increase under the effect of pressure. Consequently, based on our observations, the sulfur-bonding environment is likely to be affected. In this scheme, we tentatively hypothesize that S isotope fractionations between the silicate mantle and metallic core of terrestrial planetary bodies would depend on the average pressure at which their core-mantle differentiation occurred.

Preliminary Report on the White Canyon Area, San Juan County, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benson, William Edward Barnes; Trites, A.F.; Beroni, E.P.; Feeger, J.A.

1952-01-01

The White Canyon area in San Juan County, Utah, contains known deposits of copper-uranium ore and is currently being mapped and studied by the Geological Survey. To date, approximately 75 square miles, or about 20 percent of the area, has been mapped on a scale 1 inch=1 mile. The White Canyon area is underlain by more than 2,000 feet of sedimentary rocks, Carboniferous to Jurassic(?) in age. The area is on the flank of the Elk Ridge anticline, and the strata have a regional dip of 1 deg to 2 deg SW. The Shinarump conglomerate of Late Triassic age is the principal ore-bearing formation. The Shinarump consists of lenticular beds of sandstone, conglomeratic sandstone, clay, and siltstone, and ranges in thickness from a feather edge to as much as 75 feet. Locally the sandstones contain silicified and carbonized wood and fragments of charcoal. These vegetal remains are especially common in channel-fill deposits. Jointing is prominent in the western part of the area, and apparently affects all formations. Adjacent to the joints some of the redbeds in the sequence are bleached. Deposits of copper-uranium minerals have been found in the Moenkopi, Shinarump, and Chinle formations, but the only production of ore has been from the Shinarump conglomerate. The largest concentration of these minerals is in the lower third of the Shinarump, and the deposits seem to be controlled in part by ancient channel fills and in part by fractures. Locally precipitation of the copper and uranium minerals apparently has been aided by charcoal and clays. Visible uranium minerals include both hard and soft pitchblende and secondary hydrosulfates, phosphates, and silicates. In addition, unidentified uranium compounds are present in carbonized wood and charcoal, and in veinlets of hydrocarbons. Base-metal sulfides have been identified in all prospects that extend beyond the oxidized zone. Secondary copper minerals in the oxidized zone include the hydrous sulfates and carbonates, and possibly chrysocolla. The principal gangue minerals are quartz, clay minerals, chlorite, oxides of iron and manganese, alunite, calcite, gypsum, pyrite, allophane, gibbsite, opal, and chalcedony. The origin of the copper-uranium ores has not been determined, but the association of many deposits with fractures, the mineralogic assemblage, and a lead-uranium age determination of 50 to 60 million years for the pitchblende in the Happy Jack mine favor the hypothesis that the ores are of hydrothermal origin and were deposited in early Tertiary time. Criteria believed to be the most useful in prospecting for new deposits are (1) visible uranium minerals; (2) visible copper minerals; (3) alunite; (4) hydrocarbons; and (5) bleaching of the underlying Moenkopi formation.

Evolution of the Creede Caldera and its relation to mineralization in the Creede mining district, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barton, Paul B.; Rye, Robert O.; Bethke, Philip M.

2000-01-01

At 25 Ma a major epithermal silver and base metal deposit formed in rhyolitic welded tuff near Creede, Colorado. Nearly 24000 metric tons of silver, appreciable lead, and small amounts of zinc, copper, and gold, have been produced from large, crustified veins under Bachelor and Bulldog Mountains north and northwest of Creede. Prior geologic, hydrologic, and stable-isotope studies showed that ore deposition was associated with the mixing and boiling of waters from diverse sources and suggester that a critical part of the ore-forming fluid may have originated within the ancient lake and sediments of the lacustrine Creede Formation that filled the Creede caldera. Two drill holes that sampled the heretofore hidden lower half of the Creede Formation are the focus of this book. The Creede caldera formed at 26.9 Ma within a high constructional plateau of silicic ashflows that covered and were sporadically interlayed with, intermediate lavas and lahars from large stratovolcanoes. The Creede caldera lake had an inflow evaporation balance that did not permit rapid filling to create a brim-full deep lake. Thus salts were evaporatively concentrated; but, with the exception of possible gypsum, no evaporite minerals preserved. Cool springs deposited travertine as mounds and contributed to limestone interlaminations within the sediment. The lake bottom was anoxic, and bacterial reduction of sulfate led to extreme sulfur isotopic fractionation in diagenetic pyrite. The caldera gradually resurged, converting the initial equant lake into an arcuate moat. Resurgent doming, alluvial fans, lacustrine sediments, ashfalls, and lava domes displaced water, lifted the lake so that it overlapped what later became the southern edge of the mineralized are, and eventually filled the basin. At 25.1 Ma an unseen pluton intruded beneath the northen part of the Creede district and created a convecting olume that drew in brine from the Creede caldera fill, meteotic water from highlands to the north, and possibly a fluid carrying radiogenic lead. These waters mixed and boiled as they approached the surface and moved southward, deposited a zoned epithermal deposit a few hundred meters below the paleosurface, and finally discharged into the top of the Creede Formation. The sulfide in the ores was the igneous derivation, but the sulfate was a mixture of biogenic sulfur from the Creede Formation, oxidized igneous sulfide, and thermochemically reduced and partially oxygen exchanged sulfate. The studies of the Creede caldera provide key observational and conceptual elements for the generalized model of the Creede ore deposit. The relation of the Creed ore deposit to a brine reservoir has broad significance because other brine accumulations (as in the Great Basin, the Green River Basin, or the playas of the Altiplano offer similar setting and exploration opportunities.

Lead in the Getchell-Turquoise ridge Carlin-type gold deposits from the perspective of potential igneous and sedimentary rock sources in Northern Nevada: Implications for fluid and metal sources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tosdal, R.M.; Cline, J.S.; Fanning, C.M.; Wooden, J.L.

2003-01-01

Lead isotope compositions of bulk mineral samples (fluorite, orpiment, and realgar) determined using conventional techniques and of ore-stage arsenian pyrite using the Sensitive High Resolution Ion-Microprobe (SHRIMP) in the Getchell and Turquoise Ridge Carlin-type gold deposits (Osgood Mountains) require contribution from two different Pb sources. One Pb source dominates the ore stage. It has a limited Pb isotope range characterized by 208Pb/206Pb values of 2.000 to 2.005 and 207Pb/206Pb values of 0.8031 to 0.8075, as recorded by 10-??m-diameter spot SHRIMP analyses of ore-stage arsenian pyrite. These values approximately correspond to 206Pb/204Pb of 19.3 to 19.6, 207Pb/204Pb of 15.65 to 15.75, and 208Pb/204Pb of 39.2 to 39.5. This Pb source is isotopically similar to that in average Neoproterozoic and Cambrian elastic rocks but not to any potential magmatic sources. Whether those clastic rocks provided Pb to the ore fluid cannot be unequivocally proven because their Pb isotope compositions over the same range as in ore-stage arsenian pyrite are similar to those of Ordovician to Devonian siliciclastic and calcareous rocks. The Pb source in the calcareous rocks most likely is largely detrital minerals, since that detritus was derived from the same sources as the detritus in the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian clastic rocks. The second Pb source is characterized by a large range of 206Pb/204Pb values (18-34) with a limited range of 208Pb/204Pb values (38.1-39.5), indicating low but variable Th/U and high and variable U/Pb values. The second Pb source dominates late and postore-stage minerals but is also found in preore sulfide minerals. These Pb isotope characteristics typify Ordovician to Devonian siliciclastic and calcareous rocks around the Carlin trend in northeast Nevada. Petrologically similar rocks host the Getchell and Turquoise Ridge deposits. Lead from the second source was either contributed from the host sedimentary rock sequences or brought into the hydrothermal system by oxidized ground water as the system collapsed. Late ore- and postore-stage sulfide minerals (pyrite, orpiment, and stibnite) from the Betze-Post and Meikle deposits in the Carlin trend and from the Jerritt Canyon mining district have Pb isotope characteristics similar to those determined in Getchell and Turquoise Ridge. This observation suggests that the Pb isotope compositions of their ore fluids may be similar to those at Getchell and Turquoise Ridge. Two models can explain the Pb isotope compositions of the ore-stage arsenian pyrite versus the late ore or postore sulfide minerals. In either model, Pb from the Ordovician to Devonian siliciclastic and calcareous rock source enters the hydrothermal system late in the ore stage but not to any extent during the main stage of ore deposition. In one model, ore-stage Pb was derived from a source with Pb isotope compositions similar to those of the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian clastic sequence, transported as part of the ore fluid and then deposited in the ore-stage arsenian pyrite and fluorite. The second model is based on the observation that the Pb isotope characteristics of the ore-stage minerals also are found in some Ordovician to Devonian calcareous and siliciclastic rocks. Hence, ore-stage Pb could have been derived locally and simply concentrated during the ore stage. Critical to the second model is the removal of all high 206Pb/204Pb (>20) material during alteration. It Also requires the retention of only the low 206Pb/204Pb component of the Ordovician to Devonian sedimentary rocks. This critical step is possible only if the high 206Pb/204Pb values are contained in readily dissolvable mineral phases, whereas the low 206Pb/204Pb values are found only in refractory minerals that released Pb during a final alteration stage just prior deposition of auriferous arsenian pyrite. Distinguishing between Pb transported with the ore fluid or inherited from the site of mineral deposition is not straightforward

Diffusive exchange of trace elements between basaltic-andesite and dacitic melt: Insights into potential metal fractionation during magma mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiege, A.; Ruprecht, P.; Simon, A. C.; Holtz, F.

2017-12-01

Mafic magma recharge is a common process that triggers physical and chemical mixing in magmatic systems and drives their evolution, resulting in, e.g., hybridization and volcanic eruptions. Once magma-magma contact is initiated, rapid heat-flux commonly leads to the formation of a cooling-induced crystal mush on the mafic side of the interface. Here, on a local scale (µm to cm), at the magma-magma interface, melt-melt diffusive exchange is required to approach equilibrium. Significant chemical potential gradients drive a complex, multi-element mass flux between the two systems (Liang, 2010). This diffusive-equilibration often controls crystal dissolution rates within the boundary layers and, thus, the formation of interconnected melt or fluid networks. Such networks provide important pathways for the transport of volatiles and trace metals from the mafic recharge magma to the felsic host magma, where the latter may feed volcanic activities and ore deposits. While major element diffusion in silicate melts is mostly well understood, even in complex systems, the available data for many trace element metals are limited (Liang, 2010; Zhang et al., 2010). Differences in diffusivity in a dynamic, mixing environment can cause trace element fractionation, in particular during crystallization and volatile exsolution and separation. This may affect trace element signatures in phenocrysts and magmatic volatile phases that can form near a magma-magma boundary. As a result, the chemistry of volcanic gases and magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits may be partially controlled by such mixing phenomena. We performed melt-melt diffusion-couple experiments at 150 MPa, 1100°C, FMQ, FMQ+1 and FMQ+3 (FMQ: fayalite-magnetite-quartz oxygen fugacity buffer). Hydrated, sulfur-bearing cylinders of dacite and basaltic andesite were equilibrated for up to 20 h. Major and trace element gradients were measured by using laser-ablation ICP-MS and electron microprobe analyses. The results we will present will help to fill data gaps for the diffusivity of certain metals in silicate melts (e.g., V, Mo, W). First data analyses indicate a higher diffusivity of V when compared to W . Liang (2010) Rev Mineral Geochem 72, 409-446; Zhang et al. (2010) Rev Mineral Geochem 72, 311-408.

Germanium geochemistry and mineralogy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bernstein, L.R.

1985-01-01

Germanium is enriched in the following geologic environments: 1. (1) iron meteorites and terrestrial iron-nickel; 2. (2) sulfide ore deposits, particularly those hosted by sedimentary rocks; 3. (3) iron oxide deposits; 4. (4) oxidized zones of Ge-bearing sulfide deposits; 5. (5) pegmatites, greisens, and skarns; and 6. (6) coal and lignitized wood. In silicate melts, Ge is highly siderophile in the presence of native iron-nickel; otherwise, it is highly lithophile. Among silicate minerals, Ge is concentrated in those having less polymerized silicate tetrahedra such as olivine and topaz. In deposits formed from hydrothermal solutions, Ge tends to be enriched mostly in either sulfides or in fluorine-bearing phases; it is thus concentrated both in some hydrothermal sulfide deposits and in pegmatites, greisens, and skarns. In sulfide deposits that formed from solutions having low to moderate sulfur activity, Ge is concentrated in sphalerite in amounts up to 3000 ppm. Sulfide deposits that formed from solutions having higher sulfur activity allowed Ge to either form its own sulfides, particularly with Cu, or to substitute for As, Sn, or other metals in sulfosalts. The Ge in hydrothermal fluids probably derives from enrichment during the fractional crystallization of igneous fluids, or is due to the incorporation of Ge from the country rocks, particularly from those containing organic material. Germanium bonds to lignin-derivative organic compounds that are found in peat and lignite, accounting for its common concentration in coals and related organic material. Germanium is precipitated from water together with iron hydroxide, accounting for its concentration in some sedimentary and supergene iron oxide deposits. It also is able to substitute for Fe in magnetite in a variety of geologic environments. In the oxidized zone of Ge-bearing sulfide deposits, Ge is concentrated in oxides, hydroxides, and hydroxy-sulfates, sometimes forming its own minerals. It is particularly enriched in some iron- and manganese-bearing oxides and hydroxides, including goethite (up to 5300 ppm) and hematite (up to 7000 ppm). ?? 1985.

Metal-silicate partitioning of U: Implications for the heat budget of the core and evidence for reduced U in the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chidester, Bethany A.; Rahman, Zia; Righter, Kevin; Campbell, Andrew J.

2017-02-01

Earth's core might require an internal heat source, such as radioactive decay, to explain the presence of the magnetic field through geologic time. To investigate whether U would be an important heat source in the core, we performed metal-silicate partitioning experiments of U at P-T (up to 67 GPa and 5400 K) conditions more relevant to a magma ocean scenario than has previously been reported. This study finds the partitioning of U to be strongly dependent on ƒO2, temperature, the S content of the metal and the SiO2 content of the silicate during core-mantle differentiation. Differentiation at mean conditions of 42-58 GPa and 3900-4200 K would put 1.4-3.5 ppb U (2-8 wt% S) in the core, amounting to a maximum of 1.4 (+1/-0.7) TW of heat 4.5 billion years ago. This is likely not enough heat to mitigate early widespread mantle melting. It was also found that U likely exists in the 2+ oxidation state in silicate melts in the deep Earth, a state which has not been previously observed in nature.

Phosphorus Equilibria Among Mafic Silicate Phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berlin, Jana; Xirouchakis, Dimitris

2002-01-01

Phosphorus incorporation in major rock-forming silicate minerals has the following implications: (1) Reactions between phosphorus-hosting major silicates and accessory phosphates, which are also major trace element carriers, may control the stability of the latter and thus may affect the amount of phosphorus and other trace elements released to the coexisting melt or fluid phase. (2) Less of a phosphate mineral is needed to account for the bulk phosphorus of planetaty mantles. (3) During partial melting of mantle mineral assemblages or equilibrium fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas, and in the absence or prior to saturation with a phosphate mineral, silicate melts may become enriched in phosphorus, especially in the geochemically important low melt fraction regime, Although the small differences in the ionic radii of IVp5+, IVSi4+, and IV Al3+ makes phosphoms incorporation into crystalline silicates perhaps unsurprising, isostructural silicate and phosphate crystalline solids do not readily form solutions, e.g., (Fe, Mg)2SiO4 vs. LiMgPO4, SiO)2 VS. AlPO4. Nonetheless, there are reports of, poorly characterized silico-phosphate phases in angrites , 2-4 wt% P2O5 in olivine and pyroxene grains in pallasites and reduced terestrial basalts which are little understood but potentially useful, and up to 17 wt% P2O5 in olivine from ancient slags. However, such enrichments are rare and only underscore the likelihood of phosphoms incorporation in silicate minerals. The mechanisms that allow phosphorus to enter major rock-forming silicate minerals (e.g., Oliv, Px, Gt) remain little understood and the relevant data base is limited. Nonetheless, old and new high-pressure (5-10 GPa) experimental data suggest that P2O5 wt% decreases from silica-poor to silica-rich compositions or from orthosilicate to chain silicate structures (garnet > olivine > orthopyroxene) which implies that phosphorus incorporation in silicates is perhaps more structure-than site-specific. The data also indicate that DXVliQP2O5 decrease in the same order, but DOVLiQP2O5 and DOpx/LiQP205 are likely constant, respectively equal to 0.08(3) and 0.007(4), in contrast, DG1ILiQP205 increases from 0.15(3) to 0.36(10) as garnet becomes majoritic, thus silica-enriched, and may also depend on liquid composition (SiO2, P2O5 and Na2O wt%).

Thermal Implications of the Iron Rain Model for Core Formation on Asteroid 4 Vesta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefer, W. S.

2018-05-01

The abundance of moderately siderophile elements on Vesta implies that core formation occurred by iron rain sinking through a silicate magma ocean. This requires an internal temperature of at least 1400–1475°C and very rapid accretion.

Structural, mechanical and vibrational study of uranyl silicate mineral soddyite by DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colmenero, Francisco; Bonales, Laura J.; Cobos, Joaquín; Timón, Vicente

2017-09-01

Uranyl silicate mineral soddyite, (UO2)2(SiO4)·2(H2O), is a fundamental component of the paragenetic sequence of secondary phases that arises from the weathering of uraninite ore deposits and corrosion of spent nuclear fuel. In this work, soddyite was studied by first principle calculations based on the density functional theory. As far as we know, this is the first time that soddyite structure is determined theoretically. The computed structure of soddyite reproduces the one determined experimentally by X-Ray diffraction (orthorhombic symmetry, spatial group Fddd O2; lattice parameters a = 8.334 Å, b = 11.212 Å; c = 18.668 Å). Lattice parameters, bond lengths, bond angles and X-Ray powder pattern were found to be in very good agreement with their experimental counterparts. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were obtained and the satisfaction of the Born conditions for mechanical stability of the structure was demonstrated by means of calculations of the elasticity tensor. The equation of state of soddyite was obtained by fitting lattice volumes and pressures to a fourth order Birch-Murnahan equation of state. The Raman spectrum was also computed by means of density functional perturbation theory and compared with the experimental spectrum obtained from a natural soddyite sample. The results were also found in agreement with the experimental data. A normal mode analysis of the theoretical spectra was carried out and used in order to assign the main bands of the Raman spectrum.

Alunite in the Pascua-Lama high-sulfidation deposit: Constraints on alteration and ore deposition using stable isotope geochemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deyell, C.L.; Leonardson, R.; Rye, R.O.; Thompson, J.F.H.; Bissig, T.; Cooke, D.R.

2005-01-01

The Pascua-Lama high-sulfidation system, located in the El Indio-Pascua belt of Chile and Argentina, contains over 16 million ounces (Moz) Au and 585 Moz Ag. The deposit is hosted primarily in granite rocks of Triassic age with mineralization occurring in several discrete Miocene-age phreatomagmatic breccias and related fracture networks. The largest of these areas is Brecha Central, which is dominated by a mineralizing assemblage of alunite-pyrite-enargite and precious metals. Several stages of hydrothermal alteration related to mineralization are recognized, including all types of alunite-bearing advanced argillic assemblages (magmatic-hydrothermal, steam-heated, magmatic steam, and supergene). The occurrence of alunite throughout the paragenesis of this epithermal system is unusual and detailed radiometric, mineralogical, and stable isotope studies provide constraints on the timing and nature of alteration and mineralization of the alunite-pyiite-enargite assemblage in the deposit. Early (preore) alteration occurred prior to ca. 9 Ma and consists of intense silicic and advanced argillic assemblages with peripheral argillic and widespread propylitic zones. Alunite of this stage occurs as fine intergrowths of alunite-quartz ?? kaolinite, dickite, and pyrophyllite that selectively replaced feldspars in the host rock. Stable isotope systematics suggest a magmatic-hydrothermal origin with a dominantly magmatic fluid source. Alunite is coeval with the main stage of Au-Ag-Cu mineralization (alunite-pyrite-enargite assemblage ore), which has been dated at approximately 8.8 Ma. Ore-stage alunite has an isotopic signature similar to preore alunite, and ?? 34Salun-py data indicate depositional temperatures of 245?? to 305??C. The ??D and ?? 18O data exclude significant involvement of meteoric water during mineralization and indicate that the assemblage formed from H2S-dominated magmatic fluids. Thick steam-heated alteration zones are preserved at the highest elevations in the deposit and probably formed from oxidation of H2S during boiling of the magmatic ore fluids. Coarsely crystalline magmatic steam alunite (8.4 Ma) is restricted to the near-surface portion of Brecha Central. Postmineral alunite ?? jarosite were previosly interpreted to be supergene crosscutting veins and overgrowths, although stable isotope data suggest a mixed magmatic-meteoric origin for this late-stage alteration. Only late jarosite veinlets (8.0 Ma) associated with fine-grained pseudocubic alunite have a supergene isotopic signature. The predominanca of magmatic fluids recorded throughout the paragenesis of the Pascua system is atypical for high-sulfidation deposits, which typically envolve significant meteoric water in near-surface and peripheral alteration and, in some systems, even ore deposition. A Pascua, the strong magmatic signature of both alteration and main-stage (alunite-pyrite-enargite assemblage) ore is attributed to limited availability of meteoric fluids. This is in agreement with published data for the El Indio-Pascua belt, indicating an event of uplift and subsequent pediment incision, as well as a transition from semiarid to arid climatic conditions, during the formation of the deposit in the mid to late Miocene. ?? 2005 Society of Economic Geologists, Inc.

Origin of hydrous alkali feldspar-silica intergrowth in spherulites from intra-plate A2-type rhyolites at the Jabal Shama, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surour, Adel A.; El-Nisr, Said A.; Bakhsh, Rami A.

2016-03-01

Miocene rhyolites (19.2 ± 0.9 Ma) at the Jabal Shama in western Saudi Arabia represent an example of rift-related silicic volcanism that took place during the formation of the Red Sea. They mostly consist of tuffaceous varieties with distinct flow banding, and pea-sized spherulites, obsidian and perlitized rhyolite tuffs. Although they have the geochemical signature of A2-type rhyolites, these silicic rocks are not typically alkaline but alkali-calcic to calc-alkaline. They developed in a within-plate regime and possibly derived from a recycled mafic subducted slab in depleted sub-continental mantle beneath the western Arabian plate. The Jabal Shama rhyolites are younger in age than their Miocene counterparts in Yemen and Ethiopia. The Jabal Shama spherulites consist of hydrous alkali feldspar-silica radial intergrowths with an occasional brown glass nucleus. Carbonate- and glass-free spherulites give up to 4.45 wt% L.O.I. The hydrous nature of these silicates and the absence of magnetite in the spherulites is a strong indication of oxidizing conditions. The spherulites contain hydrous feldspars with up to ∼6 wt% H2O, and they develop by diffusion and devitrification of glass in the rhyolite tuff at ∼800 °C. Owing to higher undercooling due to supersaturation, the radial hydrous phases within spherulites might grow faster and led to coagulation. The polygonal contacts between spherulites and the ∼120° dihedral angle suggest solid-state modification and recrystallization as the process of devitrification proceeds as low as ∼300 °C. The sum of FeO + MgO is positively correlated with total alkalies along with magnetite oxidation in the matrix to Fe-oxyhydroxides, and to the incorporation of OH- into silicates within the spehrulites themselves. Structural H2O in glass of the Jabal Shama perlite (obsidian) is considerable (∼9-12 wt%) with 3.72-5.6 wt% L.O.I. of the whole-rock. The presence of deleterious silica impurities would lower the ore grade due to poor expansion. Zeolitization of the rhyolite tuff was limited or incomplete in comparison with that of Pliocene-Pleistocene rift-related mafic volcanics in the western Arabian plate.

Raman study of potassium silicate glasses containing Rb +, Sr 2+, Y 3+ and Zr 4+: Implications for cation solution mechanisms in multicomponent silicate liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellison, Adam J. G.; Hess, Paul C.

1994-04-01

The parallel- and perpendicular-polarized Raman spectra of (1 - x)K 2O · xM 2/zz+O · 4SiO 2e glasses are presented, where M is one of the Period V cations Rb +, Sr 2+, Y 3+ or Zr 4+. These compositions represent the equal-oxygen substitution of a Period V cation for K +, which preserves the ratio of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) to Si atoms but not, in general, the ratio of all oxygen to all cations. Rb + and K + occupy very similar sites and appear to share the same NBO with virtually no energetic penalty. As the valence of the Period V cation increases, so does the tendency of the cation to form silicate species that are depolymerized relative to the species dominating the structure of the bulk glass. The tendency to form regions comparatively rich in Si-O-Si bonds increases in the same sense. The dominant silicate species are those with 0 or 1 NBO in all glasses. The spectra indicate that K+ shares NBO with Rb + or Sr 2+, that there is relatively little sharing of NBO by K + and Y 3+, and that K + and Zr 4+ share the same NBO in what appears to be a nearly fixed bulk stoichiometric K:Zr ratio of 2:1. The latter provides a mechanism for the substantial increase in ZrO 2 solubility seen in peralkaline liquids. A novel means of expressing homogeneous equilibria in silicate liquids is presented, whereby it is possible to make concrete predictions about the coordination numbers of cations in silicate liquids and to predict how they might be affected by the presence of other cations.

High chloride content calcium silicate glasses.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaojing; Karpukhina, Natalia; Brauer, Delia S; Hill, Robert G

2017-03-08

Chloride is known to volatilize from silicate glass melts and until now, only a limited number of studies on oxychloride silicate glasses have been reported. In this paper we have synthesized silicate glasses that retain large amounts of CaCl 2 . The CaCl 2 has been added to the calcium metasilicate composition (CaO·SiO 2 ). Glasses were produced via a melt quench route and an average of 70% of the chloride was retained after melting. Up to 31.6 mol% CaCl 2 has been successfully incorporated into these silicate glasses without the occurrence of crystallization. 29 Si MAS-NMR spectra showed the silicon being present mainly as a Q 2 silicate species. This suggests that chloride formed Cl-Ca(n) species, rather than Si-Cl bonds. Upon increasing the CaCl 2 content, the T g reduced markedly from 782 °C to 370 °C. Glass density and glass crystallization temperature decreased linearly with an increase in the CaCl 2 content. However, both linear regressions revealed a breakpoint at a CaCl 2 content just below 20 mol%. This might be attributed to a significant change in the structure and is also correlated with the nature of the crystallizing phases formed upon heat treatment. The glasses with less than 19.2 mol% CaCl 2 crystallized to wollastonite, whilst the compositions with CaCl 2 content equal to or greater than 19.2 mol% are thought to crystallize to CaCl 2 . In practice, the crystallization of CaCl 2 could not occur until the crystallization temperature fell below the melting point of CaCl 2 . The implications of the results along with the high chloride retention are discussed.

Uraniferous opal, Virgin Valley, Nevada: conditions of formation and implications for uranium exploration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zielinski, R.A.

1982-01-01

Uraniferous, fluorescent opal, which occurs in tuffaceous sedimentary rocks at Virgin Valley, Nevada, records the temperature and composition of uranium-rich solutions as well as the time of uranium-silica coprecipitation. Results are integrated with previous geologic and geochronologic data for the area to produce a model for uranium mobility that may be used to explore for uranium deposits in similar geologic settings. Uraniferous opal occurs as replacements of diatomite, or silicic air-fall ash layers in tuffaceous lakebeds of the Virgin Valley Formation (Miocene) of Merriam (1907). Fission-track radiography shows uranium to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the opal structure, suggesting coprecipitation of dissolved uranium and silica gel. Fluid inclusions preserved within opal replacements of diatomite have homogenization temperatures in the epithermal range and are of low salinity. Four samples of opal from one locality all have U-Pb apparent ages which suggest uraniferous opal precipitation in late Pliocene time. These ages correspond to a period of local, normal faulting, and highangle faults may have served as vertical conduits for transport of deep, thermalized ground water to shallower levels. Lateral migration of rising solutions occurred at intersections of faults with permeable strata. Silica and some uranium were dissolved from silica-rich host strata of 5-20 ppm original uranium content and reprecipitated as the solutions cooled. The model predicts that in similar geologic settings, ore-grade concentrations of uranium will occur in permeable strata that intersect high-angle faults and that contain uranium source rocks as well as efficient reductant traps for uranium. In the absence of sufficient quantities of reductant materials, uranium will be flushed from the system or will accumulate in low-grade disseminated hosts such as uraniferous opal. ?? 1982.

Geochronological framework of the early Paleozoic Bainaimiao Cu-Mo-Au deposit, NE China, and its tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhen-Hua; Mao, Jing-Wen; Ma, Xing-Hua; Che, He-Wei; Ou'yang, He-Gen; Gao, Xu

2017-08-01

The Bainaimiao Cu-Mo-Au deposit of NE China is an important ore deposit in the middle section of the northern margin of the North China Craton. The early Paleozoic Bainaimiao Group is the main ore-hosting rock. The mineralization at the deposit shows features of porphyry alteration and late-stage orogenesis and transformation. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb age data indicate that the ages of the Third and Fifth formations of the Bainaimiao Group are 492.7 ± 2.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.53) and 488.9 ± 3.1 Ma (MSWD = 0.92), respectively. The age of quartz diorite that intrudes the Bainaimiao Group is 459.3 ± 6.4 Ma (MSWD = 2.20). Molybdenite samples from massive Cu-Mo-bearing ores and quartz veins in the southern ore belt yield a Re-Os isochron age of 438.2 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.16), which is consistent with the Re-Os isochron age of molybdenite in the northern ore belt, implying that the two ore belts belong to the same mineralization system. Muscovite from a post-magmatic Cu-Mo-bearing quartz-calcite vein yields an Ar-Ar isochron age of 422.5 ± 3.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.64) with an initial 40Ar/36Ar ratio of 286 ± 21. The well-defined plateau age of the muscovite is 422.4 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.05), which represents the time of the post-magmatic orogenic transformation event. Based on our new age data and previous findings, we propose that the Bainaimiao Cu-Mo-Au deposit formed in an active continental margin setting and experienced four stages of ore mineralization: (1) a Late Cambrian-Middle Ordovician volcanic-sedimentary stage; (2) a Late Ordovician porphyry mineralization stage; (3) a Late Silurian regional metamorphism stage; and (4) an orogenic transformation stage. Subhedral and euhedral Paleoproterozoic (2402-1810 Ma) inherited zircons indicate that the Bainaimiao Group has a tectonic affinity with the North China Craton. The Central Asian Orogenic Belt, which is closely related to the complex closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, is favorable for prospecting for Paleozoic porphyry Cu-Mo or Cu-Au mineralization and associated epithermal Au deposits.

Constraints on the origin of Os-isotope disequilibrium in included and interstitial sulfides in mantle peridotites: Implications for the interpretation of Os-isotope signatures in MORB and Abyssal Peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lassiter, J. C.

2016-12-01

The use of isotope variations in basalts to probe the composition and evolution of the mantle is predicated on the assumption of local (i.e., grain-scale) isotopic equilibrium during mantle melting (Hofmann & Hart, 1978). However, several studies report Os-isotope disequilibrium in distinct populations of sulfides in some peridotites. In principle, grain-scale isotopic heterogeneity could reflect variable radiogenic ingrowth in ancient sulfides with variable Re/Os, or partial re-equilibration of low-Re/Os sulfides with high-Re/Os silicate phases along grain boundaries during mantle melting (e.g., Alard et al., 2005). Both cases require that sulfides fail to maintain isotopic equilibrium with neighboring phases over geologically long ( Ga) time scales. The preservation of Os-isotope disequilibrium in peridotites has been ascribed to the armoring effect of low-[Os] silicates, which limit diffusive exchange between isolated Os-rich phases. This raises the prospect that peridotite-derived melts may not inherit the Os-isotope composition of their source. The timescale required for diffusive equilibration between separate sulfide grains or between Os-rich sulfides and Os-poor silicates is a function of average sulfide size and spacing, Os diffusivity in armoring silicate minerals, and Os partitioning between silicate and sulfide phases. For typical sulfide abundances and sizes in mantle peridotites, neighboring sulfides are expected to re-equilibrate in less than a few 10s of m.y. at adiabatic mantle temperatures, even for very high (>106) sulfide/silicate KD values. Maintenance of disequilibrium requires very large sulfides (>100 um) separated by several mm and diffusion rates (D < 10-20 m2/s) slower than for most other elements in olivine. Equilibration timescales between sulfides and surrounding silicates are similar, so that large-scale isotopic disequilibrium between sulfides and silicates is also unlikely within the convecting mantle. Instead, observed grain-scale Os-isotope disequilibrium in mantle peridotites likely reflects recent sulfide metasomatism linked to interaction with eclogite- or pyroxenite-derived melts. Interstitial sulfides with radiogenic Os-isotopes provide further evidence for a role of eclogite melting in MORB genesis.

Mid-infrared interferometric variability of DG Tau: implications for the inner-disk structure .

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ábrahám, P.; Varga, J.; Gabányi, K. É.; Chen, L.; Kóspál, Á.; Ratzka, Th.; van Boekel, R.; Mosoni, L.; Henning, Th.

DG Tau is a low-mass young star whose strongly accreting disk shows a variable 10 mu m silicate feature, that may even turn temporarily from emission to absorption. Aiming to find the physical reason of this variability, we analysed multiepoch VLTI/MIDI interferometric observations. We found that the inner disk within 3 au radius exhibits a 10 mu m absorption feature related to amorphous silicate grains, while the outer disk displays a variable crystalline feature in emission, similar in shape to the spectrum of comet Hale-Bopp. The variability may be related to a fluctuating amount of dusty material above the disk surface, possibly due to turbulence.

A report on the medieval mining and ore processing complex: Zilan valley, Van, Turkey.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ateş, Yusuf; Kılıη, Sinan

Literature has records of the use of obsidian that shows the existence of a knowledge base on raw material resources around Lake Van extending to very ancient times. Against this background, very little information can be obtained from literature about accurate location of historical mining activities in the region today. An ancient mining and processing complex, located northwest of the city of Van (Turkey) has been discovered by chance in 2007. The purpose of this article is to describe this historical mining area. The site contains mining structures such as shafts and galleries, and heaves of stone chips indicating some ore enrichment activities taking place there. The XRD and chemical analyses show the samples taken from the ore vein are rich in Manganese (Mn) and Barium (Ba), and it is concluded that the Zilan Valley Mining and Processing Complex was for Pyrolusite (MnO2), Barium or both. The site is being described for the first time in the literature and offers an opportunity to fulfill the gap in literature regarding mining history. The discovery and the description of the site would also have implications in a wide multidisciplinary scientific community, including metallurgy, archeology, and world heritage.

A carbon-rich region in Miller Range 091004 and implications for ureilite petrogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Day, James M. D.; Corder, Christopher A.; Cartigny, Pierre; Steele, Andrew M.; Assayag, Nelly; Rumble, Douglas; Taylor, Lawrence A.

2017-02-01

Ureilite meteorites are partially melted asteroidal-peridotite residues, or more rarely, cumulates that can contain greater than three weight percent carbon. Here we describe an exceptional C-rich lithology, composed of 34 modal % large (up to 0.8 mm long) crystalline graphite grains, in the Antarctic ureilite meteorite Miller Range (MIL) 091004. This C-rich lithology is embedded within a silicate region composed dominantly of granular olivine with lesser quantities of low-Ca pyroxene, and minor FeNi metal, high-Ca pyroxene, spinel, schreibersite and troilite. Petrological evidence indicates that the graphite was added after formation of the silicate region and melt depletion. Associated with graphite is localized reduction of host olivine (Fo88-89) to nearly pure forsterite (Fo99), which is associated with FeNi metal grains containing up to 11 wt.% Si. The main silicate region is typical of ureilite composition, with highly siderophile element (HSE) abundances ∼0.3 × chondrite, 187Os/188Os of 0.1260-0.1262 and Δ17O of -0.81 ± 0.16‰. Mineral trace-element analyses reveal that the rare earth elements (REE) and the HSE are controlled by pyroxene and FeNi metal phases in the meteorite, respectively. Modeling of bulk-rock REE and HSE abundances indicates that the main silicate region experienced ∼6% silicate and >50% sulfide melt extraction, which is at the lower end of partial melt removal estimated for ureilites. Miller Range 091004 demonstrates heterogeneous distribution of carbon at centimeter scales and a limited range in Mg/(Mg + Fe) compositions of silicate grain cores, despite significant quantities of carbon. These observations demonstrate that silicate rim reduction was a rapid disequilibrium process, and came after silicate and sulfide melt removal in MIL 091004. The petrography and mineral chemistry of MIL 091004 is permissive of the graphite representing late-stage C-rich melt that pervaded silicates, or carbon that acted as a lubricant during anatexis and impact disruption in the parent body. Positive correlation of Pt/Os ratios with olivine core compositions, but a wide range of oxygen isotope compositions, indicates that ureilites formed from a compositionally heterogeneous parent body that experienced variable sulfide and metal melt-loss that is most pronounced in relatively oxidized ureilites with Δ17O between -1.5 and ∼0‰.

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Terrestrial Planets: Building Blocks and Differentiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The session "Terrestrial Planets: Building Blocks and Differentiation: included the following topics:Magnesium Isotopes in the Earth, Moon, Mars, and Pallasite Parent Body: High-Precision Analysis of Olivine by Laser-Ablation Multi-Collector ICPMS; Meteoritic Constraints on Collision Rates in the Primordial Asteroid Belt and Its Origin; New Constraints on the Origin of the Highly Siderophile Elements in the Earth's Upper Mantle; Further Lu-Hf and Sm-Nd Isotopic Data on Planetary Materials and Consequences for Planetary Differentiation; A Deep Lunar Magma Ocean Based on Neodymium, Strontium and Hafnium Isotope Mass Balance Partial Resetting on Hf-W System by Giant Impacts; On the Problem of Metal-Silicate Equilibration During Planet Formation: Significance for Hf-W Chronometry ; Solid Metal-Liquid Metal Partitioning of Pt, Re, and Os: The Effect of Carbon; Siderophile Element Abundances in Fe-S-Ni-O Melts Segregated from Partially Molten Ordinary Chondrite Under Dynamic Conditions; Activity Coefficients of Silicon in Iron-Nickel Alloys: Experimental Determination and Relevance for Planetary Differentiation; Reinvestigation of the Ni and Co Metal-Silicate Partitioning; Metal/Silicate Paritioning of P, Ga, and W at High Pressures and Temperatures: Dependence on Silicate Melt Composition; and Closure of the Fe-S-Si Liquid Miscibility Gap at High Pressure and Its Implications for Planetary Core Formation.

Metal-silicate fractionation in the surface dust layers of accreting planetesimals: Implications for the formation of ordinary chondrites and the nature of asteroid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shaoxiong; Akridge, Glen; Sears, Derek W. G.

Some of the most primitive solar system materials available for study in the laboratory are the ordinary chondrites, the largest meteorite class. The size and distribution of the chondrules (silicate beads) and metal, which leads to the definition of the H, L, and LL classes, suggest sorting before or during aggregation. We suggest that meteorite parent bodies (probably asteroids) had thick dusty surfaces during their early evolution that were easily mobilized by gases evolving from their interiors. Density and size sorting would have occurred in the surface layers as the upward drag forces of the gases (mainly water) acted against the downward force of gravity. The process is analogous to the industrially important process of fluidization and sorting in pyroclastic volcanics. We calculate that gas flow velocities and gas fluxes for the regolith of an asteroid-sized object heated by the impact of accreting objects or by 26Al would have been sufficient for fluidization. It can also explain, quantitatively in some cases, the observed metal-silicate sorting of ordinary chondrites, which has long been ascribed to processes occurring in the primordial solar nebula. Formation of the chondrites in the thick dynamic regolith is consistent with the major properties of chondritic meteorites (i.e., redox state, petrologic type, cooling rate, matrix abundance). These ideas have implications for the nature of asteroid surfaces and the virtual lack of asteroids with ordinary chondrite-like surfaces.

Formation of replicating saponite from a gel in the presence of oxalate: implications for the formation of clay minerals in carbonaceous chondrites and the origin of life.

PubMed

Schumann, Dirk; Hartman, Hyman; Eberl, Dennis D; Sears, S Kelly; Hesse, Reinhard; Vali, Hojatollah

2012-06-01

The potential role of clay minerals in the abiotic origin of life has been the subject of ongoing debate for the past several decades. At issue are the clay minerals found in a class of meteorites known as carbonaceous chondrites. These clay minerals are the product of aqueous alteration of anhydrous mineral phases, such as olivine and orthopyroxene, that are often present in the chondrules. Moreover, there is a strong correlation in the occurrence of clay minerals and the presence of polar organic molecules. It has been shown in laboratory experiments at low temperature and ambient pressure that polar organic molecules, such as the oxalate found in meteorites, can catalyze the crystallization of clay minerals. In this study, we show that oxalate is a robust catalyst in the crystallization of saponite, an Al- and Mg-rich, trioctahedral 2:1 layer silicate, from a silicate gel at 60°C and ambient pressure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of the saponite treated with octadecylammonium (n(C)=18) cations revealed the presence of 2:1 layer structures that have variable interlayer charge. The crystallization of these differently charged 2:1 layer silicates most likely occurred independently. The fact that 2:1 layer silicates with variable charge formed in the same gel has implications for our understanding of the origin of life, as these 2:1 clay minerals most likely replicate by a mechanism of template-catalyzed polymerization and transmit the charge distribution from layer to layer. If polar organic molecules like oxalate can catalyze the formation of clay-mineral crystals, which in turn promote clay microenvironments and provide abundant adsorption sites for other organic molecules present in solution, the interaction among these adsorbed molecules could lead to the polymerization of more complex organic molecules like RNA from nucleotides on early Earth.

Formation of replicating saponite from a gel in the presence of oxalate: implications for the formation of clay minerals in carbonaceous chondrites and the origin of life

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schumann, Dirk; Hartman, Hyman; Eberl, Dennis D.; Sears, S. Kelly; Hesse, Reinhard; Vali, Hojatollah

2012-01-01

The potential role of clay minerals in the abiotic origin of life has been the subject of ongoing debate for the past several decades. At issue are the clay minerals found in a class of meteorites known as carbonaceous chondrites. These clay minerals are the product of aqueous alteration of anhydrous mineral phases, such as olivine and orthopyroxene, that are often present in the chondrules. Moreover, there is a strong correlation in the occurrence of clay minerals and the presence of polar organic molecules. It has been shown in laboratory experiments at low temperature and ambient pressure that polar organic molecules, such as the oxalate found in meteorites, can catalyze the crystallization of clay minerals. In this study, we show that oxalate is a robust catalyst in the crystallization of saponite, an Al- and Mg-rich, trioctahedral 2:1 layer silicate, from a silicate gel at 60°C and ambient pressure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of the saponite treated with octadecylammonium (n(C)=18) cations revealed the presence of 2:1 layer structures that have variable interlayer charge. The crystallization of these differently charged 2:1 layer silicates most likely occurred independently. The fact that 2:1 layer silicates with variable charge formed in the same gel has implications for our understanding of the origin of life, as these 2:1 clay minerals most likely replicate by a mechanism of template-catalyzed polymerization and transmit the charge distribution from layer to layer. If polar organic molecules like oxalate can catalyze the formation of clay-mineral crystals, which in turn promote clay microenvironments and provide abundant adsorption sites for other organic molecules present in solution, the interaction among these adsorbed molecules could lead to the polymerization of more complex organic molecules like RNA from nucleotides on early Earth.

Time-Series Radiocarbon Measurements Indicate Carbon Turnover Across Soil Fractions is Correlated With Productivity in a Long-Term Agricultural Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanderman, J.; Baisden, W. T.; Creamer, C.; Farrell, M.; Fallon, S.

2016-12-01

Carbonatites and alkaline intrusions are important sources of REEs. Environmental risks related to these deposit types have been assessed through literature review and evaluation of the geochemical properties of representative samples of mill tailings and their leachates. The main ore mineral in carbonatite deposits is bastnasite [(Ce,La)(CO3)F], which is found with dolomite and calcite ( 65 %), barite (20 - 25 %), plus a number of minor accessory minerals including sulfides such as galena and pyrite. Generally, alkaline intrusion-related REE deposits either occur in layered complexes or with dikes and veins cutting alkaline intrusions. Such intrusions have a more diverse group of REE ore minerals that include fluorcarbonates, oxides, silicates, and phosphates. Ore also can include minor calcite and iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) sulfides. The acid-generating potential of both deposit types is low because of a predominance of carbonate minerals in the carbonatite deposits, the presence of feldspars and minor calcite in alkaline intrusion-related deposits, and to only minor to trace occurrence of potentially acid-generating sulfide minerals. Both deposit types, however, are produced by igneous and hydrothermal processes that enrich high-field strength, incompatible elements, which typically are excluded from common rock-forming minerals. Elements such as yttrium (Y), niobium Nb), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), scandium (Sc), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) can be characteristic of these deposits and may be of environmental concern. Most of these elements, including the REEs, but with the exception of U, have low solubilities in water at the near-neutral pH values expected around these deposits. Mill tailings from carbonatite deposits can exceed residential soil and sediment criteria for Pb, and leachates from mill tailings can exceed drinking water guidelines for Pb. The greatest environmental challenges, however, are linked to the presence of Th and U, although mineral hosts for these elements are moderately unreactive in the environment. Both deposit types can have mill tailings that exceed residential soil criteria for U. Uranium can be recovered as a byproduct to mitigate its environmental effects, but Th remains a waste product that requires management.

Environmental Characteristics of Carbonatite and Alkaline Intrusion-related Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seal, R. R., II; Piatak, N. M.

2017-12-01

Carbonatites and alkaline intrusions are important sources of REEs. Environmental risks related to these deposit types have been assessed through literature review and evaluation of the geochemical properties of representative samples of mill tailings and their leachates. The main ore mineral in carbonatite deposits is bastnasite [(Ce,La)(CO3)F], which is found with dolomite and calcite ( 65 %), barite (20 - 25 %), plus a number of minor accessory minerals including sulfides such as galena and pyrite. Generally, alkaline intrusion-related REE deposits either occur in layered complexes or with dikes and veins cutting alkaline intrusions. Such intrusions have a more diverse group of REE ore minerals that include fluorcarbonates, oxides, silicates, and phosphates. Ore also can include minor calcite and iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) sulfides. The acid-generating potential of both deposit types is low because of a predominance of carbonate minerals in the carbonatite deposits, the presence of feldspars and minor calcite in alkaline intrusion-related deposits, and to only minor to trace occurrence of potentially acid-generating sulfide minerals. Both deposit types, however, are produced by igneous and hydrothermal processes that enrich high-field strength, incompatible elements, which typically are excluded from common rock-forming minerals. Elements such as yttrium (Y), niobium Nb), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), scandium (Sc), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) can be characteristic of these deposits and may be of environmental concern. Most of these elements, including the REEs, but with the exception of U, have low solubilities in water at the near-neutral pH values expected around these deposits. Mill tailings from carbonatite deposits can exceed residential soil and sediment criteria for Pb, and leachates from mill tailings can exceed drinking water guidelines for Pb. The greatest environmental challenges, however, are linked to the presence of Th and U, although mineral hosts for these elements are moderately unreactive in the environment. Both deposit types can have mill tailings that exceed residential soil criteria for U. Uranium can be recovered as a byproduct to mitigate its environmental effects, but Th remains a waste product that requires management.

Study of effective utilization of iron ore sinter through arc plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Biswajit; Samal, S. K.; Mohanty, M. K.; Behera, A.; Mishra, S. C.

2018-03-01

Generation of fines is common in mining, sizing, and beneficiation and also in high-temperature metallurgical processes as the disintegration of agglomerate/compact occurs. Extraction of metallic iron from ore fines is one of the challenging aspects of iron making industries as the liberation of fines blocks, the charge burden porosity and hence hinders the reduction rate. Along with size factor, mineral composition plays a vital role in the extraction process; particularly silica. As silica has the very high tendency towards iron oxide, at comparatively low temperature, the activity of silica should be suppressed to prevent silicate phases. Adjustment of such conditions is controlled by addition of lime, but sometimes excessive slag generation increases the cost of production. In the present work, carbothermic reduction of partially reduced iron bearing pellets has been melted through 20 KW DC arc plasma furnace, and a comparative study has been made for considering different slag chemistry approaches. Pellets as aforementioned are made available from Patnaik Steel and Alloys Ltd, Odisha, having high silica content ore fines (of about 8.6%) as obtained from the chemical analysis. X-Ray analysis and optical image analyzer result of sinter thus obtained reveal that fayalite phase has major fractional value. Smelting works were done for sinter with/without adjustment of slag chemistry, where argon and nitrogen were used as plasma forming gases. A range of recovery rates (between 87-94%) is achieved by charge composition, ionizing gases, and smelting duration. It is observed that use of nitrogen as plasma forming gas increases the recovery rate than that of using only argon plasma; due to high energy flux of nitrogen which increases the enthalpy due to its diatomicity. A maximum recovery rate of about 94% is achieved for process duration of 13minutes utilizing nitrogen plasma. Smelting of charge with the addition of hydrated lime targeting melilite as final slag resulted in the formation of metallic iron as confirmed from XRD and XRF analyses. In the other hand, ferrosilicon is liberated in the metallic parts where smelting of charge was done without adjustment of slag chemistry. Both metal and slag thus obtained are characterized by XRD, XRF, microhardness and wet chemical analysis suitably.

Molybdenite Re/Os dating, zircon U-Pb age and geochemistry of granitoids in the Yangchuling porphyry W-Mo deposit (Jiangnan tungsten ore belt), China: Implications for petrogenesis, mineralization and geodynamic setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Jingwen; Xiong, Bikang; Liu, Jun; Pirajno, Franco; Cheng, Yanbo; Ye, Huishou; Song, Shiwei; Dai, Pan

2017-08-01

The Yangchuling W-Mo deposit, located in the Jiangnan porphyry-skarn (JNB) tungsten ore belt, is the first recognized typical porphyry W-Mo deposit in China in the 1980's. Stockworks and disseminated W-Mo mineralization occur in the roof pendant of a 0.3 km2 monzogranitic porphyry stock that intruded into a granodiorite stock, hosted by Neoproterozoic phyllite and slate. LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb analyses suggest that of the monzogranitic porphyry and granodiorite were formed at 143.8 ± 0.5 Ma and 149.8 ± 0.6 Ma, respectively. Six molybdenite samples yielded a Re-Os weighted mean age of 146.4 ± 1.0 Ma. Geochemical data show that both granodiorite and monzogranitic porphyry are characterized by enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) relative to high field strength elements (HFSE), indicating a peraluminous nature (A/CNK = 1.01-1.08). Two granitoids are characterized by a negative slope with significant light REE/heavy REE fractionation [(La/Yb)N = 8.38-23.20] and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.69-0.76). The P2O5 contents of the Yangchuling granitoids range from 0.12% to 0.17% and exhibit a negative correlation with SiO2, reflecting that they are highly fractionated I-type. They have high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7104-0.7116), low negative εNd(t) (- 5.05 to - 5.67), and homogeneous εHf(t) between - 1.39 and - 2.17, indicating similar sources. Additionally, two-stage Nd model ages (TDM2) of 1.3-1.4 Ga and two-stage Hf model ages (TDM2) of 1.2-1.3 Ga are consistent, indicating that Neoproterozoic crustal rocks of the Shuangqiaoshan Group could have contributed to form the Yangchuling magmas. Considering the two groups of parallel Late Mesozoic ore belts, namely the Jiangnan porphyry-skarn tungsten belt (JNB) in the south and the Middle-Lower Yangtze River porphyry-skarn Cu-Au-Mo-Fe ore belt (YRB) in the north, the Nanling granite-related W-Sn ore belt (NLB) in the south, the neighboring Qin-Hang porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo-hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag ore belt (QHB) in the north, as well as the Southeastern Coast porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo-Au ore belt (SCB) recognized in South China in this paper, we propose that the latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous granitoids and associated ores were formed during a tearing of the subducting Izanagi slab. This tearing of the subduction slab caused the upwelling of asthenosphere and the resulting mantle-crust interaction. The granitoid-related W ore systems in JNB resulted from the remelting of the Proterozoic crust. The mafic-ultramafic volcanic rocks of the Shuangqiaoshan Group intercalated with phyllite and slate, ophiolitic mélange and magmatic arc rocks, mainly comprising I-type granite, basalt, andesite, rhyolite, pyroclastics, together with subduction-related metasomatized lithospheric mantle, would have provided additional mantle material. In this case, the partial melting of rocks of the Shuangqiaoshan Group can produce S-, I- and transitional type granitoids. After strong differentiation it formed tungsten-bearing granitoids characterized by enrichment of high alkali, silicon and volatile components. In the Yangchuling mine area the small monzogranitic porphyry stock has stronger fractionation, volatile content and ore-forming components than the older granodiorite, resulting in the development of the porphyry W-Mo ore system.

Platinum-group element geochemistry of the Forest Reef Volcanics, southeastern Australia: Implications for porphyry Au-Cu mineralisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowczak, Jessica N.; Campbell, Ian H.; Cocker, Helen; Park, Jung-Woo; Cooke, David R.

2018-01-01

Platinum-group element concentrations in felsic to intermediate rocks from the Forest Reef Volcanics, Cadia-Neville region, southeastern Australia have been analysed by the Ni-S fire assay-isotope dilution method. The Forest Reef Volcanics are shoshonitic to calc-alkaline in composition and fractionated to produce a wide range of compositions, with MgO varying between 9.7 and 1.8 wt.%. The interest in this suite is that it is coeval with Au-Cu porphyry-style mineralisation in the Cadia mineral district. This study uses PGE geochemistry to determine the timing of sulfide saturation, relative to volatile (ore-fluid) saturation, in the magma that gave rise to the Forest Reef Volcanics and, in turn, to assess how this timing affected the mineralisation potential of the evolving magmatic system. The Forest Reef Volcanics can be subdivided, on the basis of their contrasting PGE geochemistry, into high-Mg (>6.8 wt.% MgO) and low-Mg suites (≤6.8 wt.% MgO). Platinum, Pd and Re concentrations increase in the high-Mg samples, whereas Ir and Ru decrease and Rh concentrations remain steady, with decreasing MgO. The coupled Ir, Ru and Rh depletion is attributed to the partitioning of these elements into magnetite. The rate of Pt and Pd enrichment is not possible by closed-system fractional crystallisation alone, which suggests that the parent magma was replenished by a Pt-Pd-rich melt. In contrast, the PGE concentrations in the low-Mg samples decrease with decreasing MgO indicating the onset of sulfide saturation at 6.8 wt.% MgO, which is confirmed by the presence of spheroidal sulfide inclusions in liquidus crystals (i.e. clinopyroxene, plagioclase, magnetite). The rate of Pd depletion is appreciably less than for any other sulfide saturated felsic system for which data are available. This requires either that the amount of sulfide melt to have precipitated was unusually low, or that the rate of Pd depletion was limited by the mass of silicate melt the sulfide melt reached equilibrium with, or both. In any event, the fraction of sulfide melt that precipitated was too small to have had a significant effect on the Cu and Au content of the magma so that both Cu and Au were available to enter the ore-forming fluid when the magma became volatile saturated at, or shortly after, it reached ca. 2.9 wt.% MgO.

Toward a spartan scenario for use of lunar materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haskin, L. A.

1985-01-01

The present discussion has the objective to identify those raw materials for use in manufacture which can most readily be obtained from lunar materials as they are currently known. The state of lunar exploration is incomplete, and concentrated ores may exist for elements now regarded as rare or dispersed. This paper provides a description of minimum possibilities, based on the notion of making do with the least feasible amounts of separation and processing. The discussion is limited to the most abundant materials observed at lunar sites visited by the Apollo missions. The ground rules for use of lunar products are considered along with the tools required to carry out any significant production of raw materials for manufacture, and lunar surface conditions. Readily available materials include unprocessed regolith and minimally processed regolith. A few examples of processing methods are provided, giving attention to thermal release of gases, hydrogen reduction of ilmenite, carbonyl processing, electrolysis of molten silicate, and destructive distillation.

Platinum metals in magmatic sulfide ores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Naldrett, A.J.; Duke, J.M.

1980-01-01

Platinum-group elements (PGE) are mined predominantly from deposits that have formed by the segregation of molten iron-nickel-copper sulfides from silicate magmas. The absolute concentrations of PGE in sulfides from different deposits vary over a range of five orders of magnitude, whereas those of other chalcophile elements vary by factors of only 2 to 100. However, the relative proportions of the different PGE in a given deposit are systematically related to the nature of the parent magma. The absolute and relative concentrations of PGE in magmatic sulfides are explained in terms of the degree of partial melting of mantle peridotite required to produce the parent magma and the processes of batch equilibration and fractional segregation of sulfides. The Republic of South Africa and the U.S.S.R. together possess more than 97 percent of the world PGE reserves, but significant undeveloped resources occur in North America. The Stillwater complex in Montana is perhaps the most important example. Copyright ?? 1980 AAAS.

Cyclic development of igneous features and their relationship to high-temperature hydrothermal features in the Henderson porphyry molybdenum deposit, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carten, R.B.; Geraghty, E.P.; Walker, B.M.

1988-01-01

The Henderson porphyry molybdenum deposit was formed by the superposition of coupled alteration and mineralization events, of varying intensity and size, that were associated with each of at least 11 intrusions. Deposition of molybdenite was accompanied by time-equivalent silicic and potassic alteration. High-temperature alteration and mineralization are spatially and temporally linked to the crystallization of compositionally zoned magma in the apex of stocks. Differences in hydrothermal features associated with each intrusion (e.g., mass of ore, orientation and type of veins, density of veins, and intensity of alteration) correlate with differences in primary igneous features (e.g., composition, texture, morphology, and size). The systematic relations between hydrothermal and magmatic features suggest that primary magma compositions, including volatile contents, largely control the geometry, volume, level of emplacement, and mechanisms of crystallization of stocks. These elements in turn govern the orientations and densities of fractures, which ultimately determine the distribution patterns of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization. -from Authors

A porous silica rock ("tripoli") in the footwall of the Jurassic Úrkút manganese deposit, Hungary: composition, and origin through carbonate dissolution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Polgari, Marta; Szabo, Zoltan; Szabo-Drubina, Magda; Hein, James R.; Yeh, Hsueh-Wen

2005-01-01

The mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic compositions were determined for a white tripoli from the footwall of the Jurassic Úrkút Mn-oxide ore deposit in the Bakony Mountains, Hungary. The tripoli consists of quartz and chalcedony, with SiO2 contents up to 100 wt.%; consequently, trace-element contents are very low. Oxygen isotopes and quartz crystallinity indicate a low-temperature diagenetic origin for this deposit. The tripoli was formed by dissolution of the carbonate portion of the siliceous (sponge spicules) Isztimér Limestone. Dissolution of the carbonate was promoted by inorganic and organic acids generated during diagensis and left a framework composed of diagenetic silica that preserved the original volume of the limestone layer. The relative enrichment of silica and high porosity is the result of that carbonate dissolution. The silty texture of this highly friable rock is due to the structurally weak silica framework.

Uranium, thorium and REE partitioning into sulfide liquids at high pressure and high temperature: Implications for reduced, S-rich planetary bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohlers, A.; Wood, B. J.

2017-12-01

Based on models of the young solar nebula it is likely that the inner planets went through an early reduced phase of accretion with high metal/silicate ratio and low volatile element contents. Mercury is an existing example of a large planetary embryo with these characteristics but also with a very high S content. In order to investigate the geochemical evolution of Mercury-like bodies we experimentally determined the partitioning of lithophile elements (U, Th, Eu, Sm, Nd, Zr, La, Ce, Yb) between sulfide liquid, low-S metals and silicate melt at 1.5 GPa and 1400-2100˚C. Our results, when combined with those of Wohlers and Wood (2015) show that under highly reducing conditions (FeOsilicate<1wt%) U, Sm, Nd and other lithophile elements partition strongly into FeS liquids relative to silicate melts. The dependences of D's on the FeS contents of the metal and FeO contents of the silicate may be understood in terms of exchange reactions: UO2 + 2FeS = 2FeO + US2silicate sulfide silicate sulfideHigh concentrations of FeSmetal and low FeO contents of the silicate melts drive the reaction to the right, yielding high US2 in the sulfide and high DU. A second effect which raises DU (and other lithophile D's) is the S content of the silicate melt. The latter increases rapidly at low FeO contents and reaches 11wt %. This greatly reduces the activity coefficient of FeO, displacing the reaction further to the right. At 1.5GPa and 1400˚C we obtain sulfide-silicate partitioning with DNd/DSm 1.4 and DTh 0.1DU. As temperature increases to 2100˚C, DNd/DSm declines to 1.0 and DTh/DU increases to 0.3. We estimated the effects of accreting a reduced sulfur-rich component (with FeS core) added to early Earth. The results at 1400˚C imply the possibility of a significant ( 11ppm) 142Nd anomaly in silicate Earth and the addition of >8 ppb U to the core, but require an unreasonably high Th/U of silicate Earth (4.54). Results at 2100˚C lead to a 142Nd anomaly of 0 but addition of such a reduced sulfur-rich body could add up to 10 ppb of U to the core, together with 21 ppb Th. This combination would generate 3 TW of the energy required for the geodynamo. In this case, the Th/U ratio of silicate Earth would be 4.3, within the range of some estimates. Wohlers A. & Wood B.J. (2015) A Mercury-like component of early Earth yield uranium in the core and high mantle Nd142. Nature 520, 337-340

The hidden life of pyrite: how low can it go?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyle, Alan; Barrie, Craig; Salter, Michael

2010-05-01

Pyrite is the most abundant sulphide mineral in the Earth's crust, being present in most rock units but only volumetrically important in sulphide ore deposits. Thus, rheological behaviour of pyrite does not have significant implications for crustal deformation as a whole, but it does for deformation of ore deposits. Therefore, understanding pyrite behaviour in ore deposits may help understanding of deformation in rocks where it is of low abundance. Pyrite is a difficult mineral to study because it is both opaque and cubic, two properties that hide most of its microstructure when studied using optical microscopy as well as standard SEM back-scattered electron imaging. Etching can reveal some of the internal secrets of pyrite, but the technique is not universally applicable. The generally accepted view from such studies, coupled with experimental deformation and some TEM studies, is that pyrite is a robust mineral, which, under typical geological strain-rates, deforms by plastic deformation mechanisms above ~425 °C and by brittle or pressure-solution diffusive mechanisms below. Over the last decade or so, the advent of reliable and fast SEM-based electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) systems, coupled with orientation contrast (OC) imaging techniques, has revolutionised study of microstructure in cubic minerals. Plastic deformation can now be readily identified in pyrite; it is no longer hidden. Freitag et al (2004) documented relatively low temperature (~350 °C) plastic deformation of pyrite from Green's Creek, Alaska, raising the possibility that pyrite deforms plastically at lower temperatures than is generally accepted. In this presentation we describe pyrite microstructures from a series of pyrite-rich polymetallic ore deposits (Parys Mountain, Anglesey; Løkken, Norway; Baia Borsa, Romania), deformed at low temperature metamorphic conditions (~200-420 °C). Our results (Barrie et al. 2009) indicate that pyrite grains in all of the ore deposits studied preserve internal lattice ‘distortion' or ‘bending' indicating plastic deformation mechanisms operated. Many pyrite grains in the ore deposits also contain low-angle (~2°) sub-grain boundaries or ‘dislocation walls', indicating that both dislocation glide and creep deformation mechanisms have operated within the pyrite grains. These results indicate that plastic deformation of pyrite, under geological strain-rates, can go down to as low as ~200 °C suggesting the brittle-ductile transition in pyrite occurs at temperatures potentially as low as ~200 °C; much lower than the generally accepted temperature of ~425 °C. Many pyrite grains in sulphide ore deposits preserve internal chemical zonation of trace elements (e.g. Large et al. 2009). The potential relationship between plastic deformation and trace element distribution in pyrite will be discussed. Barrie, C. D., Boyle, A. P. & Salter, M., 2009. How low can you go? - Extending downwards the limits of plastic deformation in pyrite. Mineralogical Magazine, 73(6), 895-913. Freitag, K., Boyle, A. P., Nelson, E., Hitzman, M., Churchill, J. & Lopez-Pedrosa, M., 2004. The use of electron backscatter diffraction and orientation contrast imaging as tools for sulphide textural studies: example from the Greens Creek deposit (Alaska). Mineralium Deposita, 39, 103-113. Large, R. R., Danyushevsky, L., Hollit, C., Maslennikov, V., Meffre, S., Gilbert, S., Bull, S., Scott, R., Emsbo, P., Thomas, H., Singh, B. & Foster, J., 2009. Gold and Trace Element Zonation in Pyrite Using a Laser Imaging Technique: Implications for the Timing of Gold in Orogenic and Carlin-Style Sediment-Hosted Deposits. Economic Geology, 104(5), 635-668.

Xenon Release by the In-Vacuum Etching of Aerogel: Implications for the Study of Noble Gases in Comet Wild 2 Stardust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Mara, A.; Busemann, H.; Clay, P. L.; Crowther, S. A.; Gilmour, J. D.; Wieler, R.

2014-09-01

Xenon detection in comet Wild 2 stardust is hampered by the large adsorption of Xe on aerogel. In-vacuum etching presented here may enable the stepwise separation of terrestrial Xe, cometary Xe trapped in melted aerogel and Xe in cometary silicates.

Two-phase convection in Ganymede's high-pressure ice layer - Implications for its geological evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalousová, Klára; Sotin, Christophe; Choblet, Gaël; Tobie, Gabriel; Grasset, Olivier

2018-01-01

Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, has a fully differentiated interior with a layer of high-pressure (HP) ice between its deep ocean and silicate mantle. In this paper, we study the dynamics of this layer using a numerical model of two-phase ice-water mixture in two-dimensional Cartesian geometry. While focusing on the generation of water at the silicate/HP ice interface and its upward migration towards the ocean, we investigate the effect of bottom heat flux, the layer thickness, and the HP ice viscosity and permeability. Our results suggest that melt can be generated at the silicate/HP ice interface for small layer thickness ( ≲ 200 km) and high values of heat flux ( ≳ 20 mW m-2) and viscosity ( ≳ 1015 Pa s). Once generated, the water is transported through the layer by the upwelling plumes. Depending on the vigor of convection, it stays liquid or it may freeze before melting again as the plume reaches the temperate (partially molten) layer at the boundary with the ocean. The thickness of this layer as well as the amount of melt that is extracted from it is controlled by the permeability of the HP ice. This process constitutes a means of transporting volatiles and salts that might have dissolved into the melt present at the silicate/HP ice interface. As the moon cools down, the HP ice layer becomes less permeable because the heat flux from the silicates decreases and the HP ice layer thickens.

Bacterially mediated diagenetic origin for chert-hosted manganese deposits in the Franciscan Complex, California Coast Ranges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hein, James R.; Koski, Randolph A.

1987-08-01

Numerous manganese deposits in the Franciscan Complex, California, occur as conformable lenses within bedded radiolarian chert-argillite sequences that are, in turn, intercalated within thicker sections of sandstone and shale. The field relations, composition, and petro-graphic and isotopic characteristics indicate that the manganese was concentrated by diagenetic reconstitution of siliceous and hemipelagic sediment during burial. The ore lenses are Mn-rich and Fe-poor assemblages consisting largely of rhodochrosite, manganese silicates, opal-CT (disordered cristobalite-tridymite), and quartz. Highly negative δ13C values for the carbonate carbon in rhodochrosite indicate that CO2 likely originated from oxidation of methane; less negative values result from mixing of methanogenic carbon and CO2 derived from bacterial degradation of organic matter. The δ18O values for the carbonate of rhodochrosite indicate temperatures of formation between 12 and 100 °C. The oxidation of methane prior to carbonate precipitation may have used the minor (0.4% 0.5%) Mn and Fe oxyhydroxides and oxides deposited with the sediment. The mobilization of manganese from biogenic and terrigenous sources in the sediment column into discrete horizons and the fractioriation of manganese from iron reflect the presence of oxidation-reduction boundaries and gradients in the sediment column. Fluids derived from compaction and silica-dehydration reactions in the transformation of opal-A (X-ray amorphous biogenic silica) to quartz were involved in transportation of principal components. Sedimentary and geochemical attributes suggest that the deposits formed in a deep-water environment in a zone of oceanic upwelling near a continental margin.

Reactive Fluid Flow and Applications to Diagenesis, Mineral Deposits, and Crustal Rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rye, Danny M.; Bolton, Edward W.

2002-11-04

The objective is to initiate new: modeling of coupled fluid flow and chemical reactions of geologic environments; experimental and theoretical studies of water-rock reactions; collection and interpretation of stable isotopic and geochemical field data at many spatial scales of systems involving fluid flow and reaction in environments ranging from soils to metamorphic rocks. Theoretical modeling of coupled fluid flow and chemical reactions, involving kinetics, has been employed to understand the differences between equilibrium, steady-state, and non-steady-state behavior of the chemical evolution of open fluid-rock systems. The numerical codes developed in this project treat multi-component, finite-rate reactions combined with advective andmore » dispersive transport in multi-dimensions. The codes incorporate heat, mass, and isotopic transfer in both porous and fractured media. Experimental work has obtained the kinetic rate laws of pertinent silicate-water reactions and the rates of Sr release during chemical weathering. Ab-initio quantum mechanical techniques have been applied to obtain the kinetics and mechanisms of silicate surface reactions and isotopic exchange between water and dissolved species. Geochemical field-based studies were carried out on the Wepawaug metamorphic schist, on the Irish base-metal sediment-hosted ore system, in the Dalradian metamorphic complex in Scotland, and on weathering in the Columbia River flood basalts. The geochemical and isotopic field data, and the experimental and theoretical rate data, were used as constraints on the numerical models and to determine the length and time scales relevant to each of the field areas.« less

Partitioning of carbon between Fe-rich alloy melt and silicate melt in a magma ocean - Implications for the abundance and origin of volatiles in Earth, Mars, and the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Han; Dasgupta, Rajdeep; Duncan, Megan S.; Shimizu, Nobumichi

2014-08-01

The budget and origin of carbon in Earth and other terrestrial planets are debated and one of the key unknowns is the fate of carbon during early planetary processes including accretion, core formation, and magma ocean (MO) crystallization. Here we determine, experimentally, the solubility of carbon in coexisting Fe-Ni alloy melt and basaltic silicate melt in shallow MO conditions, i.e., at 1-3 GPa, 1500-1800 °C. Oxygen fugacity of the experiments, estimated based on Fe (in metallic alloy melt)-FeO (in silicate melt) equilibrium, varied between ∼IW-0.4 and IW-1.0, where IW refers to the oxygen fugacity imposed by the coexistence of iron and wüstite. Four different starting mixes, each with 7:3 silicate:metal mass ratio and silicate melt NBO/T (estimated proportion of non-bridging oxygen with respect to tetrahedral cations; NBO/T=2×/total OT -4, where T = Si + Ti + Al + Cr + P) ranging from 0.81 to 1.54 were studied. Concentrations of carbon in the alloy melt were determined using electron microprobe whereas carbon contents of quenched basaltic glasses were determined using secondary ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS). Identification of carbon and hydrogen-bearing species in silicate glasses was performed using Raman and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Our results show that carbon in the metallic melt varies between 4.4 wt.% and 7.4 wt.% and increases with increasing temperature and modestly with increasing pressure but decreases with increasing Ni content of the alloy melt. Carbon concentration in the silicate melts, on the other hand, varies from 11 ± 1 ppm to 111 ± 7 ppm and is negatively correlated with pressure but positively correlated with temperature, the NBO/T, the oxygen fugacity and the water content of the silicate melts. Raman and FTIR results show that at our experimental conditions, carbon in silicate melt is dissolved both as hydrogenated species and CO32-. The calculated carbon partition coefficient DCmetal/silicate varies from 510 ± 53 to 5369 ± 217 and varies systematically as a function of P, T, fO2, water content, the composition of the silicate melt (expressed using NBO/T), and Ni content of alloy melt (XNi). The range of DCmetal/silicate measured in our study with carbonated and hydrogenated carbon species in silicate melt is similar to that reported in the literature for experiments where carbonyl complexes are the chief carbon species in silicate melts. A parameterization was derived using the data from this and existing studies such as lnDCmetal/silicate=a/T+b·P/T+c·ln(fO2)+d·(NBO/T)+e·ln(1-XNi)+f where a = -33,510, b = 1357, c = -0.596, d = -1.182, e = 4.15, f = 13.38, the temperature is in Kelvin, and the pressure is in gigapascal. Using this parameterization and the estimated conditions for the base of the MOs, the average DCmetal/silicate value for Earth, Mars, and the Moon can be predicted. The deep MO of Earth is predicted to cause the strongest depletion of its silicate carbon budget, closely followed by Mars with intermediate depth MO, and then the Moon with a shallow MO. We predict that the lunar mantle carbon budget, similar to that of the Earth’s present-day upper mantle, might have been set by equilibrium core-mantle fractionation in MO; whereas for Earth, later processes such as ingassing from a proto-atmosphere and late-stage accretion of volatile-rich material was necessary for delivery of carbon and other volatiles. Finally, the comparison of our measured and predicted value of DCmetal/silicate for terrestrial MO with similar constraints on DNmetal/silicate from the literature suggests that the apparent depletion of nitrogen relative to carbon for the bulk silicate Earth and the Earth’s upper mantle is unlikely to be caused by preferential partitioning of nitrogen to alloy melt during core formation.

Siliceous Shrubs in Yellowstone's Hot Springs: Implications for Exobiological Investigations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guidry, S. A.; Chafetz, H. S.

2003-01-01

Potential relict hot springs have been identified on Mars and, using the Earth as an analog, Martian hot springs are postulated to be an optimal locality for recognizing preserved evidence of extraterrestrial life. Distinctive organic and inorganic biomarkers are necessary to recognize preserved evidence of life in terrestrial and extraterrestrial hot spring accumulations. Hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A., contain a wealth of information about primitive microbial life and associated biosignatures that may be useful for future exobiological investigations. Numerous siliceous hot springs in Yellowstone contain abundant, centimeter-scale, spinose precipitates of opaline silica (opal-A). Although areally extensive in siliceous hot spring discharge channel facies, these spinose forms have largely escaped attention. These precipitates referred to as shrubs, consist of porous aggregates of spinose opaline silica that superficially resemble miniature woody plants, i.e., the term shrubs. Shrubs in carbonate precipitating systems have received considerable attention, and represent naturally occurring biotically induced precipitates. As such, shrubs have great potential as hot spring environmental indicators and, more importantly, proxies for pre-existing microbial life.

Solubility of K in Fe-S liquid, silicate-K/Fe-S/liq equilibria, and their planetary implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gangully, J.; Kennedy, G. C.

1977-01-01

Potassium has been found to have extremely limited absolute solubility in Fe-S liquid in the pressure-temperature range of 18 to 40 kbars, 1050 to 1150 C, and fO2 within the field of metallic iron. It also partitioned into a certain silicate phase highly in preference to Fe-S liquid at 30 kbar and 1100 C. The dependence of the partitioning of K between solid silicate and Fe-S liquid on fO2 and compositions of mineral solid solutions have been analyzed. These experimental data, along with those of others, limit the amount of K that could fractionate in Fe-S liquid layers or a core in the early history of the moon and, thus, act as localized heat sources in its thermal history models; the data also seem to argue against a chondritic abundance of potassium for earth. The question of fractionation of enough K-40 in an Fe-S liquid outer core of earth to provide the necesary thermal energy for the geomagnetic dynamo remains unresolved.

Production of reactive oxygen species from abraded silicates. Implications for the reactivity of the Martian soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bak, Ebbe N.; Zafirov, Kaloyan; Merrison, Jonathan P.; Jensen, Svend J. Knak; Nørnberg, Per; Gunnlaugsson, Haraldur P.; Finster, Kai

2017-09-01

The results of the Labeled Release and the Gas Exchange experiments conducted on Mars by the Viking Landers show that compounds in the Martian soil can cause oxidation of organics and a release of oxygen in the presence of water. Several sources have been proposed for the oxidizing compounds, but none has been validated in situ and the cause of the observed oxidation has not been resolved. In this study, laboratory simulations of saltation were conducted to examine if and under which conditions wind abrasion of silicates, a process that is common on the Martian surface, can give rise to oxidants in the form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (ṡOH). We found that silicate samples abraded in simulated Martian atmospheres gave rise to a significant production of H2O2 and ṡOH upon contact with water. Our experiments demonstrated that abraded silicates could lead to a production of H2O2 facilitated by atmospheric O2 and inhibited by carbon dioxide. Furthermore, during simulated saltation the silicate particles became triboelectrically charged and at pressures similar to the Martian surface pressure we observed glow discharges. Electrical discharges can cause dissociation of CO2 and through subsequent reactions lead to a production of H2O2. These results indicate that the reactions linked to electrical discharges are the dominant source of H2O2 during saltation of silicates in a simulated Martian atmosphere, given the low pressure and the relatively high concentration of CO2. Our experiments provide evidence that wind driven abrasion could enhance the reactivity of the Martian soil and thereby could have contributed to the oxidation of organic compounds and the O2 release observed in the Labeled Release and the Gas Exchange experiments. Furthermore, the release of H2O2 and ṡOH from abraded silicates could have a negative effect on the persistence of organic compounds in the Martian soil and the habitability of the Martian surface.

Petrogenesis of Ore-Bearing and Ore-Barren Intermediate-Acid Intrusive Rocks from Jilongshan Au-Cu Skarn Deposit , the Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, Eastern China and their Geological Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, X.; Wei, J.; Chen, M.; Zhao, X.

2017-12-01

Jilongshan Au-Cu skarn deposit in Edong-Jiurui ore district , Middle-Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt(MLYRB) , eastern China ,contains 44 t gold and 32 Mt of copper ores. The mineralization is dominated by massive skarn ores, most of which occurs along the contact zone between the lower Triassic dolomitic limestones and Jilongshan granodioritic intrusion. However, Baiguoshu pluton, no more than 1 km western, has been not found any mineralized occurrence with the same strata. The ore-bearing and ore-barren intrusive rocks are granodiorite porphyries, could not be identified by petrographic characters. Besides, Zircon U-Pb dating results demonstrate that Jilongshan and Baiguoshu intrusion emplaced at 140 ± 1Ma and 141 ± 1 Ma respectively, coeval with the Early Cretaceous magmatism in Edong-Jiurui area. Elements geochemistry present that they are both characterized by high Al2O3, rich Na2O (Na2O/K2O>1.0), enrichment of LILE (Rb, Ba, K, Sr) and depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta), and weak negative Eu anomalies, which suggest they may be originated from partial melting of enriched mantle and associated with crust-mantle interaction ,evidenced by the Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic composition as well. Although the two are partly geochemically similar with each other, they have some obvious differences. The former have higher K2O and Y, Yb ,lower MgO, and Cr, Ni contents, and more obvious differentiation degree between light and heavy REEs with (La/Yb)N=10.55-15.95 than the latter with (La/Yb)N=8.67-10.47. It is indicated that the magmas of the Jilongshan intrusive rocks were probably derived from deeper source than that of the Baiguoshu, also supported by mineralogical data of biotite. In addition, Jilongshan intrusive rocks have a relatively higher initial Nd (ɛNd (t) = -8.2 - -9.4) and Sr ((87Sr/86Sr)i=0.70822-0.70897) isotopic composition than Baiguoshu (-9.2 - -9.7 and 0.70855-0.70881), as same as Lu-Hf isotopic composition. Therefore, combined with previous studies, we suggest that the Jilongshan granodiorite porphyry originated as partial melts of an enriched mantle source experienced more sufficient interaction with lower crust materials during magma ascent compared with Baiguoshu granodiorite porphyry, which may lead to Cu-Au enriched magmas, contributing to subsequent mineralization.

Preliminary Evidence of "Other-Race Effect"-Like Behavior Induced by Cathodal-tDCS over the Right Occipital Cortex, in the Absence of Overall Effects on Face/Object Processing.

PubMed

Costantino, Andrea I; Titoni, Matilde; Bossi, Francesco; Premoli, Isabella; Nitsche, Michael A; Rivolta, Davide

2017-01-01

Neuromodulation techniques such as tDCS have provided important insight into the neurophysiological mechanisms that mediate cognition. Albeit anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) often enhances cognitive skills, the role of cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS) in visual cognition is largely unexplored and inconclusive. Here, in a single-blind, sham-controlled study, we investigated the offline effects of 1.5 mA c-tDCS over the right occipital cortex of 86 participants on four tasks assessing perception and memory of both faces and objects. Results demonstrated that c-tDCS does not overall affect performance on the four tasks. However, post-hoc exploratory analysis on participants' race (Caucasian vs. non-Caucasians), showed a "face-specific" performance decrease (≈10%) in non-Caucasian participants only . This preliminary evidence suggests that c-tDCS can induce "other-race effect (ORE)-like" behavior in non-Caucasian participants that did not show any ORE before stimulation (and in case of sham stimulation). Our results add relevant information about the breadth of cognitive processes and visual stimuli that can be modulated by c-tDCS, about the design of effective neuromodulation protocols, and have important implications for the potential neurophysiological bases of ORE.

Audio-magnetotelluric investigation of allochthonous iron formations in the Archaean Reguibat shield (Mauritania): structural and mining implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bronner, G.; Fourno, J. P.

1992-11-01

The M'Haoudat range, considered as an allochthonous unit amid the strongly metamorphosed Archaean basement (Tiris Group), belongs to the Lower Proterozoic Ijil Group, weakly metamorphosed, constituted mainly by iron quartzites including red jaspers and high grade iron ore. Audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) soundings (frequency range 1-7500 HZ) were performed together with the systematic survey of the range (SNIM mining company). The non-linear least squares method was used to perform a smoothness-constrained data model. The obvious AMT resistivity contrasts between the M'Haoudat Unit (150-3500 ohm. m) and the Archaean basement (20 000 ohm. m) allow to state precisely that the two thrust surfaces, on both sides of the range, join together at a depth which increases from North-West to South-East, as the ore bodies. Inside the steeply dipping M'Haoudat Unit, the main beds of iron quartzites (1500-3500 ohm. m), schists (1000-1500 ohm. m) and hematite ores (150-300 ohm. m) were distinguished when their thickness exceeded 30 to 50 m. The existence of an hydrostatic level (1-50 ohm. m) and the steeply dipping architecture, very likely responsible for the lack of resistivity contrast on the upper part of some profiles, complicate the interpretation at high frequencies the thin layers being poorly defined.

A record of uranium-series transport at Nopal I, Sierra Pena Blanca, Mexico: Implications for natural uranium deposits and radioactive waste repositories

DOE PAGES

Denton, J. S.; Goldstein, S. J.; Paviet, P.; ...

2016-04-10

Studies of uranium-series (U-series) disequilibria within and around ore deposits provide valuable information on the extent and timing of actinide mobility, via mineral-fluid interaction, over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Such information is useful in studies of analogs of high-level nuclear-waste repositories, as well as for mining and mineral extraction sites, locations of previous nuclear weapons testing, and legacy nuclear waste contamination. In this study we present isotope dilution mass spectrometry U-series measurements for fracture-fill materials (hematite, goethite, kaolinite, calcite, dolomite and quartz) from one such analog; the Nopal I uranium ore deposit situated at Peña Blanca inmore » the Chihuahua region of northern Mexico. The ore deposit is located in fractured, unsaturated volcanic tuff and fracture-fill materials from surface fractures as well as fractures in a vertical drill core have been analyzed. High uranium concentrations in the fracture-fill materials (between 12 and 7700 ppm) indicate uranium mobility and transport from the deposit. Furthermore, uranium concentrations generally decrease with horizontal distance away from the deposit but in this deposit there is no trend with depth below the surface.« less

Multielemental analysis of Migori (Southwest, Kenya) artisanal gold mine ores and sediments by EDX-ray fluorescence technique: implications of occupational exposure and environmental impact.

PubMed

Odumo, O B; Mustapha, A O; Patel, J P; Angeyo, H K

2011-05-01

The results of heavy element profiling of the gold ores and sediments associated with the artisanal gold mining activities of the Migori gold belt of Southwestern Nyanza, Kenya, were reported in this paper. The analysis was made to assess the occupational exposure of the miners as well as to investigate the environmental impact of toxic heavy metals. Gold ores and sediments from the artisanal gold processing were sampled in four artisanal gold mining areas: Osiri A, Osiri B, Mikei and Macalder (Makalda) and analyzed for heavy elemental content using (109)Cd radioisotope excited EDXRF spectrometry technique. Analysis consisted of direct irradiating of sample pellets. The concentrations of major elements detected were: titanium (711.41-10,766.67 mg/kg); cobalt (82.65-1,010.00 mg/kg); zinc (29.90-63,210 mg/kg); arsenic (29.30-8,246.59 mg/kg); gold (14.07-73.48 mg/kg); lead (16.31-14,999.40 mg/kg) and mercury (16.10-149.93 mg/kg). The average concentration of the heavy toxic metals i.e. arsenic, lead, titanium and zinc were found to be above 50 mg/Kg as recommended by World Health Organization. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Evidence of denser MgSiO3 glass above 133 gigapascal (GPa) and implications for remnants of ultradense silicate melt from a deep magma ocean.

PubMed

Murakami, Motohiko; Bass, Jay D

2011-10-18

Ultralow velocity zones are the largest seismic anomalies in the mantle, with 10-30% seismic velocity reduction observed in thin layers less than 20-40 km thick, just above the Earth's core-mantle boundary (CMB). The presence of silicate melts, possibly a remnant of a deep magma ocean in the early Earth, have been proposed to explain ultralow velocity zones. It is, however, still an open question as to whether such silicate melts are gravitationally stable at the pressure conditions above the CMB. Fe enrichment is usually invoked to explain why melts would remain at the CMB, but this has not been substantiated experimentally. Here we report in situ high-pressure acoustic velocity measurements that suggest a new transformation to a denser structure of MgSiO(3) glass at pressures close to those of the CMB. The result suggests that MgSiO(3) melt is likely to become denser than crystalline MgSiO(3) above the CMB. The presence of negatively buoyant and gravitationally stable silicate melts at the bottom of the mantle, would provide a mechanism for observed ultralow seismic velocities above the CMB without enrichment of Fe in the melt. An ultradense melt phase and its geochemical inventory would be isolated from overlying convective flow over geologic time.

On the neutralization of acid rock drainage by carbonate and silicate minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherlock, E. J.; Lawrence, R. W.; Poulin, R.

1995-02-01

The net result of acid-generating and-neutralizing reactions within mining wastes is termed acid rock drainage (ARD). The oxidation of sulfide minerals is the major contributor to acid generation. Dissolution and alteration of various minerals can contribute to the neutralization of acid. Definitions of alkalinity, acidity, and buffer capacity are reviewed, and a detailed discussion of the dissolution and neutralizing capacity of carbonate and silicate minerals related to equilibium conditions, dissolution mechanism, and kinetics is provided. Factors that determine neutralization rate by carbonate and silicate minerals include: pH, PCO 2, equilibrium conditions, temperature, mineral composition and structure, redox conditions, and the presence of “foreign” ions. Similar factors affect sulfide oxidation. Comparison of rates shows sulfides react fastest, followed by carbonates and silicates. The differences in the reaction mechanisms and kinetics of neutralization have important implications in the prediction, control, and regulation of ARD. Current static and kinetic prediction methods upon which mine permitting, ARD control, and mine closure plans are based do not consider sample mineralogy or the kinetics of the acid-generating and-neutralizing reactions. Erroneous test interpretations and predictions can result. The importance of considering mineralogy for site-specific interpretation is highlighted. Uncertainty in prediction leads to difficulties for the mine operator in developing satisfactory and cost-effective control and remediation measures. Thus, the application of regulations and guidelines for waste management planning need to beflexible.

Experimental Behavior of Sulfur Under Primitive Planetary Differentiation Processes, the Sulfide Formations in Enstatite Meteorites and Implications for Mercury.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malavergne, V.; Brunet, F.; Righter, K.; Zanda, B.; Avril, C.; Borensztajn, S.; Berthet, S.

2012-01-01

Enstatite meteorites are the most reduced naturally-occuring materials of the solar system. The cubic monosulfide series with the general formula (Mg,Mn,Ca,Fe)S are common phases in these meteorite groups. The importance of such minerals, their formation, composition and textural relationships for understanding the genesis of enstatite chondrites (EC) and aubrites, has long been recognized (e.g. [1]). However, the mechanisms of formation of these sulfides is still not well constrained certainly because of possible multiple ways to produce them. We propose to simulate different models of formation in order to check their mineralogical, chemical and textural relevancies. The solubility of sulfur in silicate melts is of primary interest for planetary mantles, particularly for the Earth and Mercury. Indeed, these two planets could have formed, at least partly, from EC materials (e.g. [2, 3, 4]). The sulfur content in silicate melts depends on the melt composition but also on pressure (P), temperature (T) and oxygen fugacity fO2. Unfortunately, there is no model of general validity in a wide range of P-T-fO2-composition which describes precisely the evolution of sulfur content in silicate melts, even if the main trends are now known. The second goal of this study is to constrain the sulfur content in silicate melts under reducing conditions and different temperatures.

Evidence of denser MgSiO3 glass above 133 gigapascal (GPa) and implications for remnants of ultradense silicate melt from a deep magma ocean

PubMed Central

Murakami, Motohiko; Bass, Jay D.

2011-01-01

Ultralow velocity zones are the largest seismic anomalies in the mantle, with 10–30% seismic velocity reduction observed in thin layers less than 20–40 km thick, just above the Earth’s core-mantle boundary (CMB). The presence of silicate melts, possibly a remnant of a deep magma ocean in the early Earth, have been proposed to explain ultralow velocity zones. It is, however, still an open question as to whether such silicate melts are gravitationally stable at the pressure conditions above the CMB. Fe enrichment is usually invoked to explain why melts would remain at the CMB, but this has not been substantiated experimentally. Here we report in situ high-pressure acoustic velocity measurements that suggest a new transformation to a denser structure of MgSiO3 glass at pressures close to those of the CMB. The result suggests that MgSiO3 melt is likely to become denser than crystalline MgSiO3 above the CMB. The presence of negatively buoyant and gravitationally stable silicate melts at the bottom of the mantle, would provide a mechanism for observed ultralow seismic velocities above the CMB without enrichment of Fe in the melt. An ultradense melt phase and its geochemical inventory would be isolated from overlying convective flow over geologic time. PMID:21969547

Sulfur isotopes of host strata for Howards Pass (Yukon–Northwest Territories) Zn-Pb deposits implicate anaerobic oxidation of methane, not basin stagnation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Craig A.; Slack, John F.; Dumoulin, Julie A.; Kelley, Karen Duttweiler; Falck, Hendrik

2018-01-01

A new sulfur isotope stratigraphic profile has been developed for Ordovician-Silurian mudstones that host the Howards Pass Zn-Pb deposits (Canada) in an attempt to reconcile the traditional model of a stagnant euxinic basin setting with new contradictory findings. Our analyses of pyrite confirm the up-section 34S enrichment reported previously, but additional observations show parallel depletion of carbonate 13C, an increase in organic carbon weight percent, and a change in pyrite morphology. Taken together, the data suggest that the 34S enrichment reflects a transition in the mechanism of pyrite formation during diagenesis, not isotopic evolution of a stagnant water mass. Low in the stratigraphic section, pyrite formed mainly in the sulfate reduction zone in association with organic matter–driven bacterial sulfate reduction. In contrast, starting just below the Zn-Pb mineralized horizon, pyrite formed increasingly within the sulfate-methane transition zone in association with anaerobic oxidation of methane. Our new insights on diagenesis have implications for (1) the setting of Zn-Pb ore formation, (2) the reliability of redox proxies involving metals, and (3) the source of ore sulfur for Howards Pass, and potentially for other stratiform Zn-Pb deposits contained in carbonaceous strata.

Examining Metasomatism in Low fO2 Environments: Exploring Sulfidation Reactions in Various Planetary Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srinivasan, P.; Shearer, C. K.; McCubbin, F. M.; Bell, A. S.; Agee, C. B.

2016-01-01

Hydrothermal systems are common on Earth in a variety of tectonic environments and at different temperature and pressure conditions. These systems are commonly dominated by H2O, and they are responsible for element transport and the production of ore deposits. Unlike the Earth (fO2FMQ), many other planetary bodies (e.g., Moon and asteroids) have fO2 environments that are more reduced (IW+/-2), and H2O is not the important solvent responsible for element transport. One example of a texture that could result from element transport and metasomatism, which appears to occur on numerous planetary bodies, is sulfide-silicate intergrowths. These subsolidus assemblages are interpreted to form as a result of sulfidation reactions from a S-rich fluid phase. The composition of fluids may vary within and among parent bodies and could be sourced from magmatic (e.g. Moon) or impact processes (e.g. HED meteorites and Moon). For example, it has been previously demonstrated on the Moon that the interaction of olivine with a hydrogen- and sulfur-bearing vapor phase altered primary mineral assemblages, producing sulfides (e.g. troilite) and orthopyroxene. Formation of these types of "sulfidation" assemblages can be illustrated with the following reaction: Fe2SiO4(ol) + 1/2 S(2 system) = FeS(troi)+ FeSiO3(opx) + 1/2 O2 system. The products of this reaction, as seen in lunar rocks, is a vermicular or "worm-like" texture of intergrown orthopyroxene and troilite. Regardless of the provenance of the S-bearing fluid, the minerals in these various planetary environments reacted in the same manner to produce orthopyroxene and troilite. Although similar textures have been identified in a variety of parent bodies, a comparative study on the compositions and the origins of these sulfide-silicate assemblages has yet to be undertaken. The intent of this study is to examine and compare sulfide-silicate intergrowths from various planetary bodies to explore their petrogenesis and examine the nature of low fO2 (IW+/-2) element migration and sulfidation reactions.

Equilibrium Tin Isotope Fractionation during Metal-Sulfide-Silicate Differentiation: A Nuclear Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roskosz, M.; Amet, Q.; Fitoussi, C.; Laporte, D.; Hu, M. Y.; Alp, E. E.

2016-12-01

Metal-silicate differentiation was recently addressed through the insight of the isotopic composition of siderophile elements (mainly Fe, Si and Cr isotopes) of planetary and extraterrestrial bodies. A key limitation of this approach is however the knowledge of equilibrium fractionation factors between coexisting phases (metal alloys, silicates and sulfides) used to interpret data on natural samples. These properties are difficult to determine experimentally. In this context, tin is generally classified as a chalcophile element but it is also siderophile and volatile. We applied a synchrotron-based method to circumvent difficulties related to determination of equilibrium isotope fractionation. The nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS) was used to measure the phonon excitation spectrum and then to derive the force constant and finally the fractionation factors of Sn-bearing geomaterials. Spectroscopic measurements were carried out at room pressure at Sector 30-ID (APS, USA). A range of Fe-Ni alloys, rhyolitic and basaltic glasses and iron sulfides containing isotopically enriched 119Sn were synthesized. The tin content and the redox conditions prevailing during the synthesis were varied. The data evaluation was carried out using PHOENIX and SciPhon programs. A strong effect of both the redox state and the tin content was measured. In addition, the composition of the silicate glasses was found to be another important factor determining the tin isotope metal-silicate-sulfide fractionation factors. Our results are consistent with trends previously observed in the case of iron isotopes [1,2]. We will discuss the implications of our experimental results in terms of tin isotope planetary signatures. References: [1] Dauphas et al. (2014), EPSL, 398, 127-140; [2] Roskosz et al. (2015), GCA, 169, 184-199.

Silicic Acid and Beer Consumption Reverses the Metal Imbalance and the Prooxidant Status Induced by Aluminum Nitrate in Mouse Brain.

PubMed

González-Muñoz, María José; Garcimartán, Alba; Meseguer, Isabel; Mateos-Vega, Carmen José; Orellana, José María; Peña-Fernández, Antonio; Benedí, Juana; Sánchez-Muniz, Francisco J

2017-01-01

Emerging evidence suggests that by affecting mineral balance, aluminum (Al) may enhance some events associated with neurodegenerative diseases. To examine the effect of Al(NO3)3 exposure on brain Al, cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn) levels, and the metal-change implication in brain oxidant and inflammatory status. Four groups of six-week-old male NMRI mice were treated for three months: i) controls, administrated with deionized water; ii) Al, which received Al(NO3)3; iii) Al+silicic acid, which were given Al(NO3)3 plus silicic acid; and iv) Al+beer, which received Al(NO3)3 plus beer. Brain Al and TBARS levels and TNFα and GPx expressions increased, while Cu, Mn, and Zn levels, and catalase and CuZn-SOD expression decreased (at least, p < 0.05) in Al versus control animals. Al, Si, and TBARS levels and TNFα expression decreased (p < 0.05) in Al+silicic acid and Al+beer specimens while Cu, Mn, and Zn levels and antioxidant expression increased versus the Al group. Brain Al levels correlated negatively with those of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, and catalase, CuZn-SOD, and GPx enzyme expressions but positively with Si and TBARS levels and TNFα expression. Two components of the principal component analysis (PCA) explained 71.2% of total data variance (p < 0.001). PCA connected the pro-oxidant markers with brain Al content, while brain Zn and Cu levels were closer to antioxidant enzyme expression. Administration of Al(NO3)3 induced metal imbalance, inflammation, and antioxidant status impairment in the brain. Those effects were blocked to a significant extent by silicic acid and beer administration.

Core segregation mechanism and compositional evolution of terretrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petford, N.; Rushmer, T.

2009-04-01

A singular event in the formation of the earth and terrestrial planets was the separation iron-rich melt from mantle silicate to form planetary cores. On Earth, and by implication other rocky planets, this process induced profound internal chemical fractionation, with siderophile elements (Ni, Co, Au, Pt, W, Re) following Fe into the core, leaving the silicate crust and mantle with strong depletions of these elements relative to primitive planetary material. Recent measurements of radiogenic 182W anomalies in the silicate Earth, Mars and differentiated meteorites imply that planetesimals segregated metallic cores within a few Myr of the origin of the solar system. Various models have been put forward to explain the physical nature of the segregation mechanism (Fe-diapirs, ‘raining' through a magma ocean), and more recently melt flow via fractures. In this contribution we present the initial results of a numerical study into Fe segregation in a deforming silicate matrix that captures the temperature-dependent effect of liquid metal viscosity on the transport rate. Flow is driven by pressure gradients associated with impact deformation in a growing planetesimal and the fracture geometry is constrained by experimental data on naturally deformed H6 chondrite. Early results suggest that under dynamic conditions, fracture-driven melt flow can in principle be extremely rapid, leading to a significant draining of the Fe-liquid metal and siderophile trace element component on a timescale of hours to days. Fluid transport in planetesimals where deformation is the driving force provides an attractive and simple way of segregating Fe from host silicate as both precursor and primary agent of core formation. The potential for flow of metal-rich melt to induce local magnetic anomalies will also be addressed.

Deformation of a crystalline olivine aggregate containing two immiscible liquids: Implications for early core-mantle differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerantola, V.; Walte, N. P.; Rubie, D. C.

2015-05-01

Deformation-assisted segregation of metallic and sulphidic liquid from a solid peridotitic matrix is a process that may contribute to the early differentiation of small planetesimals into a metallic core and a silicate mantle. Here we present results of an experimental study using a simplified system consisting of a polycrystalline Fo90-olivine matrix containing a small percentage of iron sulphide and a synthetic primitive MORB melt, in order to investigate whether the silicate melt enhances the interconnection and segregation of FeS liquid under deformation conditions at varying strain rates. The experiments have been performed at 2 GPa, 1450 °C and strain rates between 1 ×10-3s-1 to 1 ×10-5s-1. Our results show that the presence of silicate melt actually hinders the migration and segregation of sulphide liquid by reducing its interconnectivity. At low to moderate strain rates the sulphide liquid pockets preserved a roundish shape, showing the liquid behavior is governed mainly by surface tension rather than by differential stress. Even at the highest strain rates, insignificant FeS segregation and interconnection were observed. On the other hand the basaltic melt was very mobile during deformation, accommodating part of the strain, which led to its segregation from the matrix at high bulk strains leaving the sulphide liquid stranded in the olivine matrix. Hence, we conclude that deformation-induced percolation of sulphide liquid does not contribute to the formation of planetary cores after the silicate solidus is overstepped. A possible early deformation enhanced core-mantle differentiation after overstepping the Fe-S solidus is not possible between the initial formation of silicate melt and the formation of a widespread magma ocean.

Magnetic mineralogy and rock magnetic properties of silicate and carbonatite rocks from Oldoinyo Lengai volcano (Tanzania)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattsson, H. B.; Balashova, A.; Almqvist, B. S. G.; Bosshard-Stadlin, S. A.; Weidendorfer, D.

2018-06-01

Oldoinyo Lengai, a stratovolcano in northern Tanzania, is most famous for being the only currently active carbonatite volcano on Earth. The bulk of the volcanic edifice is dominated by eruptive products produced by silica-undersaturated, peralkaline, silicate magmas (effusive, explosive and/or as cumulates at depth). The recent (2007-2008) explosive eruption produced the first ever recorded pyroclastic flows at this volcano and the accidental lithics incorporated into the pyroclastic flows represent a broad variety of different rock types, comprising both extrusive and intrusive varieties, in addition to various types of cumulates. This mix of different accidental lithics provides a unique insight into the inner workings of the world's only active carbonatite volcano. Here, we focus on the magnetic mineralogy and the rock magnetic properties of a wide selection of samples spanning the spectrum of Oldoinyo Lengai rock types compositionally, as well from a textural point of view. Here we show that the magnetic properties of most extrusive silicate rocks are dominated by magnetite-ulvöspinel solid solutions, and that pyrrhotite plays a larger role in the magnetic properties of the intrusive silicate rocks. The natrocarbonatitic lavas, for which the volcano is best known for, show distinctly different magnetic properties in comparison with the silicate rocks. This discrepancy may be explained by abundant alabandite crystals/blebs in the groundmass of the natrocarbonatitic lavas. A detailed combination of petrological/mineralogical studies with geophysical investigations is an absolute necessity in order to understand, and to better constrain, the overall architecture and inner workings of the subvolcanic plumbing system. The results presented here may also have implications for the quest in order to explain the genesis of the uniquely natrocarbonatitic magmas characteristic of Oldoinyo Lengai.

X-ray Raman scattering study of MgSiO3 glass at high pressure: Implication for triclustered MgSiO3 melt in Earth's mantle

PubMed Central

Lee, Sung Keun; Lin, Jung-Fu; Cai, Yong Q.; Hiraoka, Nozomu; Eng, Peter J.; Okuchi, Takuo; Mao, Ho-kwang; Meng, Yue; Hu, Michael Y.; Chow, Paul; Shu, Jinfu; Li, Baosheng; Fukui, Hiroshi; Lee, Bum Han; Kim, Hyun Na; Yoo, Choong-Shik

2008-01-01

Silicate melts at the top of the transition zone and the core-mantle boundary have significant influences on the dynamics and properties of Earth's interior. MgSiO3-rich silicate melts were among the primary components of the magma ocean and thus played essential roles in the chemical differentiation of the early Earth. Diverse macroscopic properties of silicate melts in Earth's interior, such as density, viscosity, and crystal-melt partitioning, depend on their electronic and short-range local structures at high pressures and temperatures. Despite essential roles of silicate melts in many geophysical and geodynamic problems, little is known about their nature under the conditions of Earth's interior, including the densification mechanisms and the atomistic origins of the macroscopic properties at high pressures. Here, we have probed local electronic structures of MgSiO3 glass (as a precursor to Mg-silicate melts), using high-pressure x-ray Raman spectroscopy up to 39 GPa, in which high-pressure oxygen K-edge features suggest the formation of tricluster oxygens (oxygen coordinated with three Si frameworks; [3]O) between 12 and 20 GPa. Our results indicate that the densification in MgSiO3 melt is thus likely to be accompanied with the formation of triculster, in addition to a reduction in nonbridging oxygens. The pressure-induced increase in the fraction of oxygen triclusters >20 GPa would result in enhanced density, viscosity, and crystal-melt partitioning, and reduced element diffusivity in the MgSiO3 melt toward deeper part of the Earth's lower mantle. PMID:18535140

The genesis of the newly discovered giant Wuben magmatic Fe-Ti oxide deposit in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province: a product of the late-stage redistribution and sorting of crystal slurries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Zhong-Jie; Zhong, Hong; Zhu, Wei-Guang; Hu, Wen-Jun; Chen, Cai-Jie

2018-04-01

A giant Fe-Ti oxide deposit hosted by the Wuben mafic intrusion has recently been discovered in the Pan-Xi area of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP). The evolved compositions of the gangue minerals within the Fe-Ti oxide ores indicate that they formed during later stages of magma differentiation than those within the neighboring Panzhihua intrusion or other ore-bearing intrusions in this area. The rocks from the Wuben intrusion and MZb of the Panzhihua intrusion contain compositionally similar silicate minerals and have similar titanomagnetite/ilmenite ratios, suggesting that the former is related to and probably connected to the latter by subsurface magmatic conduits. This indicates that unconsolidated minerals that formed in the MZb flowed as crystal slurries into the Wuben magma chamber during the later stages of evolution of the parental magma. The later secondary enrichment of Fe-Ti oxides by mechanical redistribution and the sorting of crystals as a result of density and size differences generated the Wuben massive Fe-Ti oxide bodies. The ilmenite was commonly saturated in the magma at late stage of differentiation in the ELIP, thereby the associated deposit contains much higher contents of ilmenite. This indicates that future exploration for Fe-Ti oxide mineralization in the ELIP should not merely focus on the lower parts of large layered intrusions but should also include nearby relatively small intrusions or even the upper parts of large intrusions, especially as ilmenite-enriched Fe-Ti oxide deposits may have greater economic value than ilmenite-poor deposits.

Surface chemistry and flotation behavior of monazite, apatite, ilmenite, quartz, rutile, and zircon using octanohydroxamic acid collector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nduwa Mushidi, Josue

Global increase in rare earth demand and consumption has led to further understanding their beneficiation and recovery. Monazite is the second most important rare earth mineral that can be further exploited. In this study, the surface chemistry of monazite in terms of zeta potential, adsorption density, and flotation response by microflotation using octanohydroxamic acid is determined. Apatite, ilmenite, quartz, rutile, and zircon are minerals that frequently occur with monazite among other minerals. Hence they were chosen as gangue minerals in this study. The Iso Electric Point (IEP) of monazite, apatite, ilmenite, quartz, rutile, and zircon are 5.3, 8.7, 3.8, 3.4, 6.3, and 5.1 respectively. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption were also evaluated. Ilmenite, rutile and zircon have high driving forces for adsorption with DeltaGads. = 20.48, 22.10, and 22.4 kJ/mol respectively. The free energy of adsorption is 14.87 kJ/mol for monazite. Adsorption density testing shows that octanohydroxamic acid adsorbs on negatively charged surfaces of monazite and its gangue minerals which indicates chemisorption. This observation was further confirmed by microflotation experiments. Increasing the temperature to 80°C raises the adsorption and flotability of monazite and gangue minerals. This does not allow for effective separation. Sodium silicate appeared to be most effective to depress associated gangue minerals. Finally, the fundamentals learned were applied to the flotation of monazite ore from Mt. Weld. However, these results showed no selectivity due to the presence of goethite as fine particles and due to a low degree of liberation of monazite in the ore sample.

The contamination of Lake Superior with amphibole gangue minerals.

PubMed

Langer, A M; Maggiore, C M; Nicholson, W J; Rohl, A N; Rubin, I B; Selikoff, I J

1979-01-01

Iron ore called taconite is mined in the Biwabik Iron Formation in the Eastern Mesabi region of the Mesabi Range, in eastern Minnesota. After mining, ore is shipped to Silver Bay, Minnnesota for processing and wet magnetic extraction. Tailings from the process are dumped, as a slurry, into a man-made containment delta constructed in Lake Superior. Submicroscopic amphibole fibers and/or cleavage fragments, a component of the gangue, apparently escape from the delta at Silver Bay, and enter Lake Superior. These particles contaiminate the potable water supplies of municipalities drawing directly from the lake. One of the gangue minerals is the amphibole grunerite, whose asbestiform variety is called amosite. Major emphasis of this study was directed at identification of submicroscopic particle pollutants, based on morphology, structure and chemical composition. Quantitative determination of fibrous amphibole phases, present in a range of water samples, was undertaken. Transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and an electron microprobe technique was used for identification and enumeration and this information was compared with data sets determined from standards. Grunerite fiber and/or acicular cleavage fragments, in some instances indistinguishable from asbestiform grunerite, are present in the tailings, lake water and drinking water of a number of municipalities, a result of contamination of the lake at the Silver Bay milling operation. This amphibole is found in drinking water in concentrations which range from 0.6 to 2.8 X 10(6) fiber/liter. The risk to health, associated with direct ingestion of grunerite fiber is unknown and is extrapolated from the asbestiform grunerite (amosite) data base. The biological activity of other fibrous amphiboles observed, unrelated to any asbestiform silicate variety, is presently unknown and warrants investigation.

Zinc speciation in mining and smelter contaminated overbank sediments by EXAFS spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Damme, An; Degryse, Fien; Smolders, Erik; Sarret, Géraldine; Dewit, Julie; Swennen, Rudy; Manceau, Alain

2010-07-01

Overbank sediments contaminated with metalliferous minerals are a source of toxic metals that pose risks to living organisms. The overbank sediments from the Geul river in Belgium contain 4000-69,000 mg/kg Zn as a result of mining and smelting activities, principally during the 19th century. Three main Zn species were identified by powder Zn K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy: smithsonite (ZnCO 3), tetrahedrally coordinated sorbed Zn (sorbed IVZn) and Zn-containing trioctahedral phyllosilicate. Smithsonite is a primary mineral, which accounts for approximately 20-60% of the Zn in sediments affected by mining and smelting of oxidized Zn ores (mostly carbonates and silicates). This species is almost absent in sediments affected by mining and smelting of both sulphidic (ZnS, PbS) and oxidized ores, presumably because of acidic dissolution associated with the oxidation of sulphides, as suggested by the lower pH of this second type of sediment (pH(CaCl 2) <7.0 vs. pH(CaCl 2) >7.0 for the first type). Thus, sulphide minerals in sediment deposits can act as a secondary source of dissolved metals by a chemical process analogous to acid mine drainage. The sorbed IVZn component ranges up to approximately 30%, with the highest proportion occurring at pH(CaCl 2) <7.0 as a result of the readsorption of dissolved Zn 2+ on sediments constituents. Kerolite-like Zn-rich phyllosilicate is the major secondary species in all samples, and in some the only detected species, thus providing the first evidence for pervasive sequestration of Zn into this newly formed precipitate at the field scale.

Geochemical and stable isotopic data on barren and mineralized drill core in the Devonian Popovich Formation, Screamer sector of the Betze-Post gold deposit, northern Carlin trend, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Christiansen, William D.; Hofstra, Albert H.; Zohar, Pamela B.; Tousignant, Gilles

2011-01-01

The Devonian Popovich Formation is the major host for Carlin-type gold deposits in the northern Carlin trend of Nevada. The Popovich is composed of gray to black, thin-bedded, calcareous to dolomitic mudstone and limestone deposited near the carbonate platform margin. Carlin-type gold deposits are Eocene, disseminated, auriferous pyrite deposits characterized by acid leaching, sulfidation, and silicification that are typically hosted in Paleozoic calcareous sedimentary rocks exposed in windows through siliceous sedimentary rocks of the Roberts Mountains allochthon. The Carlin trend currently is the largest gold producer in the United States. The Screamer ore zone is a tabular body on the periphery of the huge Betze-Post gold deposit. Screamer is a good place to study both the original lithogeochemistry of the Popovich Formation and the effects of subsequent alteration and mineralization because it is below the level of supergene oxidation, mostly outside the contact metamorphic aureole of the Jurassic Goldstrike stock, has small, high-grade ore zones along fractures and Jurassic dikes, and has intervening areas with lower grade mineralization and barren rock. In 1997, prior to mining at Screamer, drill core intervals from barren and mineralized Popovich Formation were selected for geochemical and stable isotope analysis. The 332, five-foot core samples analyzed are from five holes separated by as much as 2000 feet (600 meters). The samples extend from the base of the Wispy unit up through the Planar and Soft sediment deformation units into the lower part of the upper Mud unit of the Popovich Formation.

Climate stability of habitable Earth-like planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menou, Kristen

2015-11-01

The carbon-silicate cycle regulates the atmospheric CO2 content of terrestrial planets on geological timescales through a balance between the rates of CO2 volcanic outgassing and planetary intake from rock weathering. It is thought to act as an efficient climatic thermostat on Earth and, by extension, on other habitable planets. If, however, the weathering rate increases with the atmospheric CO2 content, as expected on planets lacking land vascular plants, the carbon-silicate cycle feedback can become severely limited. Here we show that Earth-like planets receiving less sunlight than current Earth may no longer possess a stable warm climate but instead repeatedly cycle between unstable glaciated and deglaciated climatic states. This has implications for the search for life on exoplanets in the habitable zone of nearby stars.

Platinum-group element geochemistry used to determine Cu and Au fertility in the Northparkes igneous suites, New South Wales, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Hongda; Campbell, Ian H.; Park, Jung-Woo; Cooke, David R.

2017-11-01

Recent studies have shown that platinum-group elements (PGE) can be used to constrain the timing of sulfide saturation in evolving felsic systems. In this study, we report trace-element, PGE, Re and Au data for the barren and ore-associated suites of intermediate to felsic rocks from the Northparkes Cu-Au porphyry region, emphasizing the timing of sulfide saturation and its influence on the tenor of the associated hydrothermal mineralization. Two barren suites, the Goonumbla and Wombin Volcanics and associate intrusive rocks, are found in the region. Geochemical modelling shows that the barren suites are dominated by plagioclase-pyroxene fractionation, whereas the ore-associated Northparkes Cu-Au porphyry suite is characterized by plagioclase-amphibole fractionation, which requires the ore-bearing suite to have crystallized from a wetter magma than barren suites. The concentrations of PGE, Re and Au in the barren suites decrease continuously during fractional crystallization. This is attributed to early sulfide saturation with the fraction of immiscible sulfide precipitation required to produce the observed trend, being 0.13 and 0.16 wt.% for the Goonumbla and Wombin suites, respectively. The calculated partition coefficients for Au and Pd required to model the observed change in these elements with MgO are well below published values, indicating that R, the mass ratio of silicate to sulfide melt, played a significant role in controlling the rate of decline of these elements with fractionation. Palladium in the ore-associated suite, in contrast, first increases with fractionation then decreases abruptly at 1.2 wt.% MgO. The sharp decrease is attributed to the onset of sulfide precipitation. Platinum on the other hand shows a moderate decrease, starting from the highest MgO sample analysed, but then decreasing strongly from 1.2 wt.% MgO. The initial Pt decrease is attributed to precipitation of a platinum-group mineral (PGM), probably a Pt-Fe alloy, and the sharp decrease of both Pt and Pd at 1.2 wt.% MgO to sulfide saturation. We suggest that the Goonumbla and Wombin suites are barren because early sulfide saturation locked most of the Cu and Au in a sulfide phase in the cumulus pile of a deep parental magma chamber, well before volatile saturation, so that when the magma reached volatile saturation, it did not have access to the Cu and Au. This contrasts with the relatively late sulfide saturation in the ore-associated suite, which was followed shortly afterwards by volatile saturation. Rayleigh fractionation concentrated incompatible Cu and Au by at least a factor of five before volatile saturation. The short crystallization interval between immiscible sulfide and volatile saturation allowed some Au and Cu to be stripped from the evolving magma. Gold, with its higher partition coefficient into immiscible sulfide melts, was more affected than Cu. The result is a Cu-Au deposit. Our study also suggests that Rayleigh fractionation is as at least as important as the initial concentration of chalcophile elements in the parent magma in determining the fertility of felsic magma suites.

Geology and geochemistry of Carlin-type gold deposits in China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rui-Zhong, H.; Wen-Chao, S.; Xian-Wu, B.; Guang-Zhi, T.; Hofstra, A.H.

2002-01-01

The Carlin-type gold deposits in China lie mostly near the margins of the Proterozoic Yangtze and Aba cratons. Submicron-sized gold in micron-sized arsenian pyrite is disseminated in fractured Cambrian through Triassic carbonaceous shale and carbonate rocks, and is associated with anomalous Hg, Sb, As, U, and Tl. Alteration typically includes silicification, argilization, and sulfidation. Aqueous fluid inclusions contain CO2, have relatively low temperatures of homogenization (250-150 ??C), and salinities (8-2 wt% equiv. NaCl) that typically decrease from early to later stages. The indicated pressures of 105-330x105 Pa correspond to depths in excess of 1.0 to 3.0 km, assuming hydrostatic conditions. The ??D values of fluid inclusions (-87 to -47%) and the calculated ??18 values for water in ore fluids (-2.1 to 16.2%) reflect interactions between meteoric water and sedimentary rocks. The ??13C values of calcite (-9 to 2%) and ??34S values of sulfides (-24 to 17%) suggest that C and S were derived from marine carbonate (and organic carbon) and diagenetic sulfides (and organic sulfur) in the vicinity of the deposits. Geologic relationships and geochronologic evidence indicate the deposits formed during a late phase of the Yanshanian orogeny (140-75 Ma). These gold deposits share much in common with the Carlin-type gold deposits in Nevada, USA. Both occur in carbonaceous, pyritic, sedimentary rocks deposited on extended margins of Precambrian cratons. The smaller Chinese deposits are generally in more siliceous rocks and the larger Nevada deposits in more calcareous rocks. In both countries, the host rocks prior to mineralization were affected by contractional deformation that produced many of the ore-controlling structures and the deposits do not show consistent spatial or genetic relationships with epizonal plutons. However, the Nevada deposits show broad spatial and temporal relationships with shifting patterns of calc-alkaline magmatism. The ore and alteration mineral assemblages, residence of gold, geochemical signatures, paragenetic sequence, and fluid inclusions are remarkably similar, which indicates that the deposits formed from low salinity, moderately acidic, CO2 and H2S-rich in the crust similar processes at relatively shallow levels in the crust (<5 km). However, the deposits in China are associated with large Hg, Sb, As, U, and Tl deposits, which may reflect higher background abundances of these elements. Stable isotopic data suggest meteoric water evolved to become ore fluids through interactions with sedimentary rocks, although contributions of volatiles or metals from deeper levels are present in some deposits in Nevada. In both countries, the deposits appear to have formed in an area of high paleothermal gradients after a change in stress regime during the later phases of orogenic activity.

Paragenesis and chemistry of multistage tourmaline formation in the sullivan Pb-Zn-Ag deposit, British Columbia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jiang, S.-Y.; Palmer, M.R.; Slack, J.F.; Shaw, D.R.

1998-01-01

Detailed petrographic study, scanning electron microscope imaging, and electron microprobe analyses of tourmalines from the Sullivan Pb-Zn-Ag massive sulfide deposit (British Columbia, Canada) document multiple paragenetic stages and large compositional variations. The tourmalines mainly belong to two common solid-solution series: dravite-schorl and dravite-uvite. Ca- and Fe-rich feruvite and alkali-deficient tourmalines are present locally. Products of tourmaline-forming stages include (from oldest to youngest): (1) rare Fe-rich dravite-schorl within black tourmalinite clasts in footwall fragmental rocks; (2) widespread Mg-rich, very fine grained, felted dravite in the footwall (the main type of tourmaline in the footwall tourmalinite pipe); (3) recrystallized, Fe-rich dravite-schorl (locally Ca-Fe feruvite) in the tourmalinite pipe, which preferentially occurs near postore gabbroic intrusions; (4) Mg-rich dravite or uvite associated with chlorite-pyrrhotite and chlorite-albite-pyrite-altered rocks in the shallow footwall and hanging wall; (5) discrete Mg-rich tourmaline grains associated with chlorite and discordant Mg-rich tourmaline rims which occur on disseminated Fe-rich schorl in the bedded Pb-Zn-Ag ores. The timing of rare Fe-rich schorl in the bedded ores is uncertain, but it most likely occurred during or between stages 2 and 3. The different paragenetic stages and their respective tourmaline compositions are interpreted in terms of a multistage evolution involving contributions from: (1) variable mixtures of synsedimentary, Fe-rich hydrothermal fluids and entrained seawater; (2) postore, Fe-rich, gabbro-related hydrothermal fluids; and (3) postore metamorphic reactions. Early synsedimentary, Fe-rich hydrothermal fluids which contained little or no entrained seawater formed Fe-rich black tourmalinite clasts locally in the footwall. The major type of tourmaline in the footwall tourmalinite pipe is Mg rich, recording seawater entrainment under high water/rock conditions, rather than control by the chemical composition of the original host sediments. Rare Fe-rich schorl within the bedded Pb-Zn-Ag ores is believed to have formed on the sea floor by reaction of an Fe-rich brine pool with detrital aluminous sediments. Postore emplacement of gabbro sills and local dikes in the footwall produced Fe-rich hydrothermal fluids, which were responsible for formation of minor Fe-rich dravite-schorl which overprinted earlier dravite. Postore, but synsedimentary, hydrothermal alteration involving entrained seawater was responsible for deposition of dravite and uvite in the hanging wall and for dravite in the brown tourmalinites of the shallow footwall. Mg-rich dravite-uvite associated with chlorite and in discordant rims on schorl in the bedded ores formed by sulfide-silicate reactions during greenschist facies regional metamorphism.

Ore genesis constraints on the Idaho Cobalt Belt from fluid inclusion gas, noble gas isotope, and ion ratio analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hofstra, Albert H.; Landis, Gary P.

2012-01-01

The Idaho cobalt belt is a 60-km-long alignment of deposits composed of cobaltite, Co pyrite, chalcopyrite, and gold with anomalous Nb, Y, Be, and rare-earth elements (REEs) in a quartz-biotite-tourmaline gangue hosted in Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Lemhi Group. It is the largest cobalt resource in the United States with historic production from the Blackbird Mine. All of the deposits were deformed and metamorphosed to upper greenschist-lower amphibolite grade in the Cretaceous. They occur near a 1377 Ma anorogenic bimodal plutonic complex. The enhanced solubility of Fe, Co, Cu, and Au as chloride complexes together with gangue biotite rich in Fe and Cl and gangue quartz containing hypersaline inclusions allows that hot saline fluids were involved. The isotopes of B in gangue tourmaline are suggestive of a marine source, whereas those of Pb in ore suggest a U ± Th-enriched source. The ore and gangue minerals in this belt may have trapped components in fluid inclusions that are distinct from those in post-ore minerals and metamorphic minerals. Such components can potentially be identified and distinguished by their relative abundances in contrasting samples. Therefore, we obtained samples of Co and Cu sulfides, gangue quartz, biotite, and tourmaline and post-ore quartz veins as well as Cretaceous metamorphic garnet and determined the gas, noble gas isotope, and ion ratios of fluid inclusion extracts by mass spectrometry and ion chromatography. The most abundant gases present in extracts from each sample type are biased toward the gas-rich population of inclusions trapped during maximum burial and metamorphism. All have CO2/CH4 and N2/Ar ratios of evolved crustal fluids, and many yield a range of H2-CH4-CO2-H2S equilibration temperatures consistent with the metamorphic grade. Cretaceous garnet and post-ore minerals have high RH and RS values suggestive of reduced sulfidic conditions. Most extracts have anomalous 4He produced by decay of U and Th and 38Ar produced by nucleogenic production from 41K. In contrast, some ore and gangue minerals yield significant SO2 and have low RH and RS values of a more oxidized fluid. Three extracts from gangue quartz have high helium R/RA values indicative of a mantle source and neon isotope compositions that require nucleogenic production of 22Ne in fluorite from U ± Th decay. Two extracts from gangue quartz have estimated 40K/40Ar that permit a Precambrian age. Extracts from gangue quartz in three different ore zones are biased toward the hypersaline population of inclusions and have a tight range of ion ratios (Na, K, NH4, Cl, Br, F) suggestive of a single fluid. Their Na, Cl, Br ratios suggest this fluid was a mixture of magmatic and basinal brine. Na-K-Ca temperatures (279°-347°C) are similar to homogenization temperatures of hypersaline inclusions. The high K/Na of the brine may be due to albitization of K silicate minerals in country rocks. Influx of K-rich brines is consistent with the K metasomatism necessary to form gangue biotite with high Cl. An extract from a post-ore quartz vein is distinct and has Na, Cl, Br ratios that resemble metamorphic fluids in Cretaceous silver veins of the Coeur d'Alene district in the Belt Basin. The results show that in some samples, for certain components, it is possible to "see through" the Cretaceous metamorphic overprint. Of great import for genetic models, the volatiles trapped in gangue quartz have 3He derived from a mantle source and 22Ne derived from fluorite, both of which may be attributed to nearby ~1377 Ma basalt-rhyolite magmatism. The brine trapped in gangue quartz is a mixture of magmatic fluid and evaporated seawater. The former requires a granitic intrusion that is present in the bimodal intrusive complex, and the latter equatorial paleolatitudes that existed in the Mesoproterozoic. The results permit genetic models involving heat and fluids from the neighboring bimodal plutonic complex and convection of basinal brine in the Lemhi Group. While the inferred fluid sources in the Idaho cobalt belt are similar in many respects to those in iron oxide copper-gold deposits, the fluids were more reduced such that iron was fixed in biotite and tourmaline instead of iron oxides.

China's emergence as the world's leading iron-ore-consuming country

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kirk, W.S.

2004-01-01

China has become the leading iron ore consuming nation, and, based on recent steel production capacity increases and plans for more, its consumption will almost certainly to continue to grow. China's iron ore industry, however, faces a number of problems. China's iron ore is low-grade, expensive to process, and its mines are being depleted. For many Chinese steelmakers, particularly in the coastal regions, the delivered cost of domestic iron ore, is more than the delivered cost of foreign ore. Thus China's iron ore imports are expected to increase. As China's growth continues, it will almost certainly surpass Japan to become the leading iron ore importing country as well. Without China's increasing appetite for iron ore, the world iron ore market would be flat or declining. China's recent imports largely offset the slump in demand in North America and Europe. China is regarded by the iron ore industry as the growth sector for the next decade. Although Chinese imports are expected to continue their rapid increase and imports in other Asian countries are expected to continue growing, there appears to be enough greenfield and expansion projects to meet future demand for iron ore worldwide. Present suppliers of iron ore, Australia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, will probably be the chief beneficiaries of China's increasing consumption of iron ore. How long China can continue its extraordinary growth is the primary issue for the future of the iron ore industry. Based on the number and size of planned blast furnaces it appears that China's growth could continue for several more years. ?? 2004 Taylor and Francis.

Nitrile O-ring Cracking: A Case of Vacuum Flange O-ring Failures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dees, Craig

2016-07-01

A review of recent nitrile O-ring failures in ISO-KF vacuum flange connections in glovebox applications is presented. An investigation of a single “isolated” o-ring failure leads to the discovery of cracked nitrile o-rings in a glovebox atmospheric control unit. The initial cause of the o-ring failure is attributed to ozone degradation. However, additional investigation reveals nitrile o-ring cracking on multiple gloveboxes and general purpose piping, roughly 85% of the nitrile o-rings removed for inspection show evidence of visible cracking after being in service for 18 months or less. The results of material testing and ambient air testing is presented, elevatedmore » ozone levels are not found. The contributing factors of o-ring failure, including nitrile air sensitivity, inadequate storage practices, and poor installation techniques, are discussed. A discussion of nitrile o-ring material properties, the benefits and limitations, and alternate materials are discussed. Considerations for o-ring material selection, purchasing, storage, and installation are presented in the context of lessons learned from the nitrile o-ring cracking investigation. This paper can be presented in 20 minutes and does not require special accommodations or special audio visual devices.« less

Middle Jurassic Radiolaria from a siliceous argillite block in a structural melange zone near Viqueque, Timor Leste: Paleogeographic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haig, David W.; Bandini, Alexandre Nicolas

2013-10-01

Thin-bedded siliceous argillite forming a large block within a structural melange zone at Viqueque, Timor Leste, has yielded a Middle Jurassic (late Bathonian-early Callovian) radiolarian assemblage belonging to Unitary Association Zone 7. Fifty-five species are recognized and illustrated, forming the most diverse radiolarian fauna yet documented from the Jurassic of Timor. The fauna shows little similarity in species content to the few other assemblages previously listed from the Middle or Late Jurassic of Timor, and also has few species in common with faunas known elsewhere in the region from Rotti, Sumatra, South Kalimantan, and Sula. Based on lithofacies similarities and age, the siliceous argillite succession in the melange block at Viqueque is included in the Noni Group originally described as the lower part of the Palelo Series in West Timor. In terms of lithofacies, the Noni Group is distinct from other stratigraphic units known in Timor. It may be associated with volcanic rocks but age relationships are uncertain, although some of the radiolarian cherts in the Noni Group in West Timor have been reported to include tuffaceous sediment. The deep-water character of the siliceous hemipelagite-pelagite facies, the probable volcanic association, and an age close to that of continental breakup in the region suggest deposition in a newly rifted Indian Ocean. In Timor's tectonostratigraphic classification scheme, the Noni Group is here placed in the "Indian Ocean Megasequence".

Composite correlation filter for O-ring detection in stationary colored noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassebrook, Laurence G.

2009-04-01

O-rings are regularly replaced in aircraft and if they are not replaced or if they are installed improperly, they can result in catastrophic failure of the aircraft. It is critical that the o-rings be packaged correctly to avoid mistakes made by technicians during routine maintenance. For this reason, fines may be imposed on the o-ring manufacturer if the o-rings are packaged incorrectly. That is, a single o-ring must be packaged and labeled properly. No o-rings or more than one o-ring per package is not acceptable. We present an industrial inspection system based on real-time composite correlation filtering that has successfully solved this problem in spite of opaque paper o-ring packages. We present the system design including the composite filter design.

Ore-fluid evolution at the Getchell Carlin-type gold deposit, Nevada, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cline, J.S.; Hofstra, A.A.

2000-01-01

Minerals and fluid-inclusion populations were examined using petrography, microthermometry, quadrupole mass-spectrometer gas analyses and stable-isotope studies to characterize fluids responsible for gold mineralization at the Getchell Carlin-type gold deposit. The gold-ore assemblage at Getchell is superimposed on quartz-pyrite vein mineralization associated with a Late-Cretaceous granodiorite stock that intruded Lower-Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. The ore assemblage, of mid-Tertiary age, consists of disseminated arsenian pyrite that contains submicrometer gold, jasperoid quartz, and later fluorite and orpiment that fill fractures and vugs. Late ore-stage realgar and calcite enclose ore-stage minerals. Pre-ore quartz trapped fluids with a wide range of salinities (1 to 21 wt.% NaCl equivalent), gas compositions (H2O, CO2, and CH4), and temperatures (120 to >360??C). Oxygen- and hydrogen-isotope ratios indicate that pre-ore fluids likely had a magmatic source, and were associated with intrusion of the granodiorite stock and related dikes. Ore-stage jasperoid contains moderate salinity, aqueous fluid inclusions trapped at 180 to 220??C. Ore fluids contain minor CO2 and trace H2S that allowed the fluid to react with limestone host rocks and transport gold, respectively. Aqueous inclusions in fluorite indicate that fluid temperatures declined to ~175??C by the end of ore-stage mineralization. As the hydrothermal system collapsed, fluid temperatures declined to 155 to 115??C and realgar and calcite precipitated. Inclusion fluids in ore-stage minerals have high ??D(H2O) and ??18O(H2O) values that indicate that the fluid had a deep source, and had a metamorphic or magmatic origin, or both. Late ore-stage fluids extend to lower ??D(H2O) values, and have a wider range of ??18O(H2O) values suggesting dilution by variably exchanged meteoric waters. Results show that deeply sourced ore fluids rose along the Getchell fault system, where they dissolved carbonate wall rocks and deposited gold-enriched pyrite and jasperoid quartz. Gold and pyrite precipitated together as H2S in the ore fluids reacted with iron in the host rocks. As ore fluids mixed with local aquifer fluids, ore fluids became cooler and more dilute. Cooling caused precipitation of ore-stage fluorite and orpiment, and late ore-stage realgar. Phase separation and/or neutralization of the ore fluid during the waning stages of the hydrothermal ore system led to deposition of late ore-stage calcite.

A Comparative Chemical Study of Calcium Silicate-Containing and Epoxy Resin-Based Root Canal Sealers.

PubMed

Reszka, Przemysław; Nowicka, Alicja; Lipski, Mariusz; Dura, Włodzimierz; Droździk, Agnieszka; Woźniak, Krzysztof

2016-01-01

Objective. The present study assessed the chemical elements in two novel calcium silicate-containing root canal sealers, BioRoot RCS and Well-Root ST, compared to a calcium silicate-containing root canal sealer that has been on the market for several years, MTA Fillapex, and epoxy resin-based sealer AHPlus. Material and Methods. The sealers were mixed and manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions. Twelve cylindrical molds (inner diameter 4 mm; height 3 mm) were placed on a glass petri dish and packed with the materials. The dish was transferred to an incubator. After 72 h the molds were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Results. BioRoot RCS and Well-Root ST had high peaks of calcium, zirconium, oxygen, carbon, silicon, and chlorine. Well-Root ST also had sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and titanium peaks. MTA Fillapex and AHPlus had carbon, oxygen, calcium, titanium, and bismuth peaks. A silicon peak was also observed for MTA Fillapex, and zirconium and tungsten peaks for AHPlus. Conclusion. BioRoot RSC had the highest degree of purity. The clinical implication of metals contained in the other sealers needs to be investigated.

A Comparative Chemical Study of Calcium Silicate-Containing and Epoxy Resin-Based Root Canal Sealers

PubMed Central

Reszka, Przemysław; Dura, Włodzimierz; Droździk, Agnieszka; Woźniak, Krzysztof

2016-01-01

Objective. The present study assessed the chemical elements in two novel calcium silicate-containing root canal sealers, BioRoot RCS and Well-Root ST, compared to a calcium silicate-containing root canal sealer that has been on the market for several years, MTA Fillapex, and epoxy resin-based sealer AHPlus. Material and Methods. The sealers were mixed and manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions. Twelve cylindrical molds (inner diameter 4 mm; height 3 mm) were placed on a glass petri dish and packed with the materials. The dish was transferred to an incubator. After 72 h the molds were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Results. BioRoot RCS and Well-Root ST had high peaks of calcium, zirconium, oxygen, carbon, silicon, and chlorine. Well-Root ST also had sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and titanium peaks. MTA Fillapex and AHPlus had carbon, oxygen, calcium, titanium, and bismuth peaks. A silicon peak was also observed for MTA Fillapex, and zirconium and tungsten peaks for AHPlus. Conclusion. BioRoot RSC had the highest degree of purity. The clinical implication of metals contained in the other sealers needs to be investigated. PMID:28097154

A medium range order structural connection to the configurational heat capacity of borate-silicate mixed glasses.

PubMed

Liu, Hao; Smedskjaer, Morten M; Tao, Haizheng; Jensen, Lars R; Zhao, Xiujian; Yue, Yuanzheng

2016-04-28

It has been reported that the configurational heat capacity (C(p,conf)) first increases and then becomes saturated with increasing B2O3/SiO2 ratio in borate-silicate mixed glasses. Through Raman spectroscopy measurements, we have, in this work, found an implication for the intermediate range order (IRO) structural connection to the composition dependence of the C(p,conf) of borate-silicate mixed glasses. In the silica-rich compositions, the C(p,conf) rapidly increases with increasing B2O3 content. This is attributed to the increase of the content of the B-O-Si network units ([B2Si2O8](2-)) and 6-membered borate rings with 1 or 2 B(4). In the boron-rich compositions, the C(p,conf) is almost constant, independent of the increase in the B2O3/SiO2 ratio. This is likely attributed to the counteraction between the decrease of the fraction of two types of metaborate groups and the increase of the fraction of other borate superstructural units (particularly 6-membered borate rings). The overall results suggest that the glasses containing more types of superstructural units have a larger C(p,conf).

Origin of the Lengshuigou porphyry-skarn Cu deposit in the Zha-Shan district, South Qinling, central China, and implications for differences between porphyry Cu and Mo deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Guiqing; Mao, Jingwen; Wang, Ruiting; Meng, Deming; Sun, Jia; Dai, Junzhi; Ren, Tao; Li, Jianbi; Zhao, Haijie

2017-04-01

Porphyry Cu and Mo deposits are two economically important types of metal deposits worldwide, but factors controlling their difference remain enigmatic. Compared with the well-studied large porphyry Mo province in the south margin of the North China Block (S-NCB), the origin of newly discovered porphyry Cu deposits in the South Qinling (SQB) is poorly constrained. Integrated zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb and molybdenite Re-Os ages and geological evidence indicate three stages of magmatism at Lengshuigou: (1) late Neoproterozoic (718 to 704 Ma) quartz diorite + albitite + granite association during the pre-ore stage, (2) 146 to 145 Ma granodiorite porphyry during the syn-ore stage, and (3) 145 Ma granite porphyry during the post-ore stage. Elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic evidence provide important constraints on their magma source. Pre-ore Neoproterozoic quartz diorite + albitite + granite was derived by re-melting of a mixture of crustal and juvenile mantle materials, and stronger fractional crystallization was involved in these ore-hosting intrusions than in contemporary granitoids hosted in the Douling Group. Syn-ore granodiorite porphyry was derived from mantle-derived magma with contributions from different proportions of crustal components. Post-ore granite porphyry was derived mainly from a crustal source. Nearly contemporaneous porphyry Cu and Mo systems were identified in Qinling Province, including the 147-139 Ma porphyry Mo systems in the S-NCB and 150-146 Ma porphyry Cu systems in the SQB. Granitic stocks related to porphyry Cu systems in the SQB are characterized by moderate SiO2 contents (58.01-69.07 %) and less radiogenic Nd-Hf isotopes (ɛNd(t) = -3.8 to -6.3, ɛHf(t) = -4.5 to +1.6), whereas the granitic stocks related to porphyry Mo deposits in the S-NCB have high SiO2 concentrations (64.00-76.00 %) and more radiogenic Nd-Hf isotopes (ɛNd(t) = -18.0 to -11.6, ɛHf(t) = -26.3 to -13.5). In addition, molybdenite from the Chigou and Lengshuigou porphyry Cu deposits in the S-NCB show higher Re contents (77.50-394.3 ppm) than those from nearly contemporaneous porphyry Mo deposits (9.34-49.7 ppm) in the S-NCB. These lines of evidence indicate that a higher proportion of mantle component was involved in the formation of porphyry Cu deposits in the SQB than nearly contemporaneous porphyry Mo deposits in the S-NCB. It is most likely that the nature of the magma source plays an essential role in the differences between porphyry Cu and Mo deposits.

Small-scale studies of roasted ore waste reveal extreme ranges of stable mercury isotope signatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Robin S.; Wiederhold, Jan G.; Jew, Adam D.; Brown, Gordon E.; Bourdon, Bernard; Kretzschmar, Ruben

2014-07-01

Active and closed Hg mines are significant sources of Hg contamination to the environment, mainly due to large volumes of mine waste material disposed of on-site. The application of Hg isotopes as source tracer from such contaminated sites requires knowledge of the Hg isotope signatures of different materials potentially released to the environment. Previous work has shown that calcine, the waste residue of the on-site ore roasting process, can exhibit distinct Hg isotope signatures compared with the primary ore. Here, we report results from a detailed small-scale study of Hg isotope variations in calcine collected from the closed New Idria Hg mine, San Benito County, CA, USA. The calcine samples exhibited different internal layering features which were investigated using optical microscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence, micro X-ray absorption spectroscopy (μ-XAS), and stable Hg isotope analysis. Significant Fe, S, and Hg concentration gradients were found across the different internal layers. Isotopic analyses revealed an extreme variation with pronounced isotopic gradients across the internal layered features. Overall, δ202Hg (±0.10‰, 2 SD) describing mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) ranged from -5.96 to 14.49‰, which is by far the largest range of δ202Hg values reported for any environmental sample. In addition, Δ199Hg (±0.06‰, 2 SD) describing mass-independent fractionation (MIF) ranged from -0.17 to 0.21‰. The μ-XAS analyses suggested that cinnabar and metacinnabar are the dominant Hg-bearing phases in the calcine. Our results demonstrate that the incomplete roasting of HgS ores in Hg mines can cause extreme mass-dependent Hg isotope fractionations at the scale of individual calcine pieces with enrichments in both light and heavy Hg isotopes relative to the primary ore signatures. This finding has important implications for the application of Hg isotopes as potential source tracers for Hg released to the environment from closed Hg mines and highlights the need for detailed source signature identification.

New Gallium End-Member in Epidote Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soboleva, A. A.; Varlamov, D.; Mayorova, T.

2011-12-01

Unique ultrahigh-Ga (Ga up to 14.5 wt. %) mineral of epidote group is discovered in Tykatlova gold-sulfure ore occurrence in the eastern slope of the Subpolar Urals, Russia. It is the first find of the Ga silicate mineral in the world. Only five Ga minerals are presented in the IMA official list. Generally, two unique deposites in Africa contain Ga minerals - Tsumeb in Namibia and Kipushi in DR Congo. Tykatlova occurrence is situated in early Ordovician rhyolites and rhyodacites metamorphosed in greenschist facies, sulfide mineralization is located in fault zones. Ga-phases were found out in sphalerite-pyrite-galena assemblage with chalcopyrite and minor Ag-bearing bornite, tetrahedrite-tennantite, various Ag and Cu sulfides and sulfosalts. Secondary ore minerals are anglesite, cerussite, lead and zinc hydroxides. Vein minerals are quartz, calcite, Zn-Mn carbonates, anhydrite (or gypsum). Ga-minerals are usually inclusions (common in sphalerite, sometimes in pyrite and galena), they are rarely located between grains of sulfides or quartz. Ga-phases are assigned to epidote group due to morphology of grains, their chemical composition (EPMA using EDS and WDS), stoichiometry and Raman data. Their grains are elongated, roundish or well-shaped, they are 30-60 up to 100 μm in length, with complex zonality. The general sequence of zones from the core to rims: a) "epidote-(Ga)" with 6-20 wt.% Ga2O3, REE are almost absent; b) high Ga allanite-(Ce) with 3-11 wt.% Ga2O3, 3-20 wt.% REE (calculated as oxide); c) allanite-(Ce) with 0.0-2.0 wt.% Ga2O3, 4-19 wt.% REE; d) epidote-allanite rims without Ga, 0-6 wt.% REE. Empirical formula of phases mostly enriched in Ga: (Ca1.88Mg0.15Mn0.03)2.06(Al1.77Ga0.97Fe3+0.26)3.00(Si2.91Al0.09)3O12(OH) (Ca1.85Mg0.11Mn0.02)1.98(Al1.89Ga1.03Fe3+0.19)3.11(Si2.93Al0.07)3O12(OH). Crystal chemistry of Ga-epidote isn't clear yet, but we assume that Ga substitutes Fe3+ rather than Al. Correlation factor in Fe3+-Ga pair (core zones of grains) reaches -0.92. Decrease of Ga toward to grain rims "allows" occurrence of REE in the epidote structure, as Ga ceases to occupy a large octahedron where bivalent ions (Fe2+, Mg, Mn2+) can enter for compensation of trivalent REE cations. Raman spectra of the Ga-phases shows a high convergence with epidote spectra. Detectable Ga concentrations (0.048-0.058 wt.%, WDS) have been established only in sphalerite that includes grains of epidote-allanite enriched in Ga. So, the most probable source of Ga is Ga-enriched sphalerite. Growth of Ga phases might take place during greenschist facies metamorphism. However, we can't exclude vice versa variant - increase of Ga concentration in sphalerite in result of decomposition of primary high-Ga silicates. Conclusions: (1) A unique high-Ga mineral of the epidote group was discovered in the Subpolar Urals. (2) It is the first find of high-Ga silicate mineral in the world. Presumably it is new member of epidote group that could be named "epidote-(Ga)" (as it is recommended by the IMA Commission). Financial support by RFBR, grant 11-05-01087-a.

High-rate behaviour of iron ore pellet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustafsson, Gustaf; Häggblad, Hans-Åke; Jonsén, Pär; Nishida, Masahiro

2015-09-01

Iron ore pellets are sintered, centimetre-sized spheres of ore with high iron content. Together with carbonized coal, iron ore pellets are used in the production of steel. In the transportation from the pelletizing plants to the customers, the iron ore pellets are exposed to different loading situations, resulting in degradation of strength and in some cases fragmentation. For future reliable numerical simulations of the handling and transportation of iron ore pellets, knowledge about their mechanical properties is needed. This paper describes the experimental work to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of blast furnace iron ore pellets. To study the dynamic fracture of iron ore pellets a number of split Hopkinson pressure bar tests are carried out and analysed.

40 CFR 440.40 - Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... mercury ore subcategory. 440.40 Section 440.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Mercury Ore Subcategory § 440.40 Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory. The provisions...

40 CFR 440.10 - Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... ore subcategory. 440.10 Section 440.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Iron Ore Subcategory § 440.10 Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory. The provisions of...

40 CFR 440.60 - Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... tungsten ore subcategory. 440.60 Section 440.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Tungsten Ore Subcategory § 440.60 Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.10 - Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... ore subcategory. 440.10 Section 440.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Iron Ore Subcategory § 440.10 Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory. The provisions of...

40 CFR 440.50 - Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... titanium ore subcategory. 440.50 Section 440.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Titanium Ore Subcategory § 440.50 Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.60 - Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... tungsten ore subcategory. 440.60 Section 440.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Tungsten Ore Subcategory § 440.60 Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.60 - Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... tungsten ore subcategory. 440.60 Section 440.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Tungsten Ore Subcategory § 440.60 Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.20 - Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... aluminum ore subcategory. 440.20 Section 440.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Aluminum Ore Subcategory § 440.20 Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.90 - Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... antimony ore subcategory. 440.90 Section 440.90 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Antimony Ore Subcategory § 440.90 Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.90 - Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... antimony ore subcategory. 440.90 Section 440.90 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Antimony Ore Subcategory § 440.90 Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.50 - Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... titanium ore subcategory. 440.50 Section 440.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Titanium Ore Subcategory § 440.50 Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.20 - Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... aluminum ore subcategory. 440.20 Section 440.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Aluminum Ore Subcategory § 440.20 Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.70 - Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... nickel ore subcategory. 440.70 Section 440.70 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Nickel Ore Subcategory § 440.70 Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory. The provisions...

40 CFR 440.50 - Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... titanium ore subcategory. 440.50 Section 440.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Titanium Ore Subcategory § 440.50 Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.40 - Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... mercury ore subcategory. 440.40 Section 440.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Mercury Ore Subcategory § 440.40 Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory. The provisions...

40 CFR 440.10 - Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... ore subcategory. 440.10 Section 440.10 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Iron Ore Subcategory § 440.10 Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory. The provisions of...

40 CFR 440.70 - Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... nickel ore subcategory. 440.70 Section 440.70 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Nickel Ore Subcategory § 440.70 Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory. The provisions...

40 CFR 440.40 - Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... mercury ore subcategory. 440.40 Section 440.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Mercury Ore Subcategory § 440.40 Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory. The provisions...

40 CFR 440.90 - Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... antimony ore subcategory. 440.90 Section 440.90 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Antimony Ore Subcategory § 440.90 Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.20 - Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... aluminum ore subcategory. 440.20 Section 440.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Aluminum Ore Subcategory § 440.20 Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory. The...

40 CFR 440.70 - Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... nickel ore subcategory. 440.70 Section 440.70 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Nickel Ore Subcategory § 440.70 Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory. The provisions...

Inheritance of silicate differentiation during lunar origin by giant impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, Paul H.

1992-01-01

It is pointed out that the implication of the popular giant impact model of lunar origin (e.g., Hartmann and Davis, 1975; Cameron and Ward, 1976; Stevenson, 1987) is that any depth-related silicate differentiation within the impactor (and/or the earth) at the time of the impact must be partly inherited by the preferentially peripheral matter that forms the moon. This paper presents calculations of the magnitude of the net differentiation of the protolunar matter for a variety of elements and scenarios, with different assumptions regarding the geometries of the 'sampled' peripheral zones, the relative proportions of the earth-derived to impactor-derived matter in the final moon, and the degree to which the impactor mantle had crystallized prior to the giant impact. It is shown that these differention effects constrain the overall plausibility of the giant impact hypothesis.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterization of the carbonate bearing silicate mineral aerinite - Implications for the molecular structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frost, Ray L.; Scholz, Ricardo; López, Andrés

2015-10-01

The mineral aerinite is an interesting mineral because it contains both silicate and carbonate units which is unusual. It is also a highly colored mineral being bright blue/purple. We have studied aerinite using a combination of techniques which included scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Raman bands at 1049 and 1072 cm-1 are assigned to the carbonate symmetric stretching mode. This observation supports the concept of the non-equivalence of the carbonate units in the structure of aerinite. Multiple infrared bands at 1354, 1390 and 1450 cm-1 supports this concept. Raman bands at 933 and 974 cm-1 are assigned to silicon-oxygen stretching vibrations. Multiple hydroxyl stretching and bending vibrations show that water is in different molecular environments in the aerinite structure.

10 CFR 40.23 - General license for carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. 40.23 Section 40.23 Energy NUCLEAR... carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. (a) A... than in the form of ore or ore residue, in amounts exceeding 500 kilograms. (b)(1) Persons generally...

10 CFR 40.23 - General license for carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. 40.23 Section 40.23 Energy NUCLEAR... carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. (a) A... than in the form of ore or ore residue, in amounts exceeding 500 kilograms. (b)(1) Persons generally...

10 CFR 40.23 - General license for carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. 40.23 Section 40.23 Energy NUCLEAR... carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. (a) A... than in the form of ore or ore residue, in amounts exceeding 500 kilograms. (b)(1) Persons generally...

10 CFR 40.23 - General license for carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. 40.23 Section 40.23 Energy NUCLEAR... carriers of transient shipments of natural uranium other than in the form of ore or ore residue. (a) A... than in the form of ore or ore residue, in amounts exceeding 500 kilograms. (b)(1) Persons generally...

Nature of parent rocks, mineralization styles and ore genesis of regolith-hosted REE deposits in South China: An integrated genetic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan Hei Martin; Zhao, Wen Winston; Zhou, Mei-Fu

2017-10-01

Regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits, also called ion-adsorption or weathered crust elution-deposited REE deposits are distributed over Jiangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Hunan, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in South China. In general, these deposits can be categorized into the HREE-dominated type, for example the famous Zudong deposit in southern Jiangxi province and the LREE-dominated type, such as the Heling and Dingnan deposits in southern Jiangxi province. Most of these deposits form from weathering of biotite and muscovite granites, syenites, monzogranites, granodiorites, granite porphyries, and rhyolitic tuffs. The parent rocks are generally peraluminous, siliceous, alkaline and contain a variety of REE-bearing minerals. Mostly, REE patterns of regolith are inherited from the parent rocks, and therefore, characteristics of the parent rocks impose a significant control on the ore formation. Data compilation shows that autometasomatism during the latest stage of granite crystallization is likely essential in forming the HREE-enriched granites, whereas LREE-enriched granites could form through magmatic differentiation. These deposits are normally two- to three-fold, but could be up to ten-fold enrichment in REE compared to the parent granites, where the maximum enrichment usually occurs from the lower B to the upper C horizon. Ce shows different behavior with the other REEs. Strongly positive Ce anomalies commonly occur at the upper part of weathering profiles, likely due to oxidation of Ce3+ to Ce4+ and removal of Ce from soil solutions through precipitation of cerianite. Vertical pH and redox gradients in weathering crusts facilitate dissolution of REE-bearing minerals at shallow level and fixation of REE at depth through either adsorption on clay minerals or precipitation of secondary minerals. At the same time, mass removal of major elements plays an important role in concentrating REE in regolith. Combination of mass removal and eluviation-illuviation dynamics is the main mechanism for REE accumulation in weathering crusts. Favorable exogenetic factors facilitate the accumulation of REE in regolith and preservation of the ore bodies. These include quasi-equilibrium between denudation and exhumation at regional scales, local geomorphology dominated by low-lying gentle slopes, adequate rainfall, and favorable groundwater conditions. Continuous operation of such a dynamic weathering system is essential in the formation of regolith-hosted REE deposits.

Graphite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Gilpin R.; Hammarstrom, Jane M.; Olson, Donald W.; Schulz, Klaus J.; DeYoung,, John H.; Seal, Robert R.; Bradley, Dwight C.

2017-12-19

Graphite is a form of pure carbon that normally occurs as black crystal flakes and masses. It has important properties, such as chemical inertness, thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and lubricity (slipperiness) that make it suitable for many industrial applications, including electronics, lubricants, metallurgy, and steelmaking. For some of these uses, no suitable substitutes are available. Steelmaking and refractory applications in metallurgy use the largest amount of produced graphite; however, emerging technology uses in large-scale fuel cell, battery, and lightweight high-strength composite applications could substantially increase world demand for graphite.Graphite ores are classified as “amorphous” (microcrystalline), and “crystalline” (“flake” or “lump or chip”) based on the ore’s crystallinity, grain-size, and morphology. All graphite deposits mined today formed from metamorphism of carbonaceous sedimentary rocks, and the ore type is determined by the geologic setting. Thermally metamorphosed coal is the usual source of amorphous graphite. Disseminated crystalline flake graphite is mined from carbonaceous metamorphic rocks, and lump or chip graphite is mined from veins in high-grade metamorphic regions. Because graphite is chemically inert and nontoxic, the main environmental concerns associated with graphite mining are inhalation of fine-grained dusts, including silicate and sulfide mineral particles, and hydrocarbon vapors produced during the mining and processing of ore. Synthetic graphite is manufactured from hydrocarbon sources using high-temperature heat treatment, and it is more expensive to produce than natural graphite.Production of natural graphite is dominated by China, India, and Brazil, which export graphite worldwide. China provides approximately 67 percent of worldwide output of natural graphite, and, as the dominant exporter, has the ability to set world prices. China has significant graphite reserves, and China’s graphite production is expected to increase, although rising labor costs and some mine production problems are developing. China is expected to continue to be the dominant exporter for the near future. Mexico and Canada export graphite mainly to the United States, which has not had domestic production of natural graphite since the 1950s. Most graphite deposits in the United States are too small, low-grade, or remote to be of commercial value in the near future, and the likelihood of discovering larger, higher-grade, or favorably located domestic deposits is unlikely. The United States is a major producer of synthetic graphite.

40 CFR 440.20 - Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... aluminum ore subcategory. 440.20 Section 440.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Aluminum Ore Subcategory § 440.20 Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.110 - Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... platinum ore subcategory. 440.110 Section 440.110 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Platinum Ores Subcategory § 440.110 Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.110 - Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... platinum ore subcategory. 440.110 Section 440.110 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Platinum Ores Subcategory § 440.110 Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.90 - Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... antimony ore subcategory. 440.90 Section 440.90 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Antimony Ore Subcategory § 440.90 Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.70 - Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... nickel ore subcategory. 440.70 Section 440.70 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Nickel Ore Subcategory § 440.70 Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory. The provisions of this subpart...

40 CFR 440.60 - Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... tungsten ore subcategory. 440.60 Section 440.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Tungsten Ore Subcategory § 440.60 Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.60 - Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... tungsten ore subcategory. 440.60 Section 440.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Tungsten Ore Subcategory § 440.60 Applicability; description of the tungsten ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.90 - Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... antimony ore subcategory. 440.90 Section 440.90 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Antimony Ore Subcategory § 440.90 Applicability; description of the antimony ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.70 - Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... nickel ore subcategory. 440.70 Section 440.70 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Nickel Ore Subcategory § 440.70 Applicability; description of the nickel ore subcategory. The provisions of this subpart...

40 CFR 440.40 - Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... mercury ore subcategory. 440.40 Section 440.40 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Mercury Ore Subcategory § 440.40 Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory. The provisions of subpart D...

40 CFR 440.20 - Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... aluminum ore subcategory. 440.20 Section 440.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Aluminum Ore Subcategory § 440.20 Applicability; description of the aluminum ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

40 CFR 440.50 - Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... titanium ore subcategory. 440.50 Section 440.50 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Titanium Ore Subcategory § 440.50 Applicability; description of the titanium ore subcategory. The provisions of this...

Occurrence model for magmatic sulfide-rich nickel-copper-(platinum-group element) deposits related to mafic and ultramafic dike-sill complexes: Chapter I in Mineral deposit models for resource assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schulz, Klaus J.; Woodruff, Laurel G.; Nicholson, Suzanne W.; Seal, Robert R.; Piatak, Nadine M.; Chandler, Val W.; Mars, John L.

2014-01-01

The sulfides in magmatic Ni-Cu deposits generally constitute a small volume of the host rock(s) and tend to be concentrated in the lower parts of the mafic and/or ultramafic bodies, often in physical depressions or areas marking changes in the geometry of the footwall topography. In most deposits, the sulfide mineralization can be divided into disseminated, matrix or net, and massive sulfide, depending on a combination of the sulfide content of the rock and the silicate texture. The major Ni-Cu sulfide mineralogy typically consists of an intergrowth of pyrrhotite (Fe7S8), pentlandite ([Fe, Ni]9S8), and chalcopyrite (FeCuS2). Cobalt, PGE, and gold (Au) are extracted from most magmatic Ni-Cu ores as byproducts, although such elements can have a significant impact on the economics in some deposits, such as the Noril’sk-Talnakh deposits, which produce much of the world’s palladium. In addition, deposits may contain between 1 and 15 percent magnetite associated with the sulfides.

Book Review: Book review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Christina Yan

2017-02-01

The world class Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits associated with the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) are quite unique on earth in the sense that the energy source and origin were triggered by a large meteorite impact event. The ore deposits in the SIC make up one of the largest Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposit camps in the world and have now been mined for over 100 years. This is the first complete reference book that focuses entirely on the SIC and covers the fields of economic geology, petrology, geochemistry and geophysics. The purpose of this book is to explore the linkage between sulfide and silicate magmas generated by the 1.85 Ga Sudbury impact event and to unite an understanding of the process of crustal melt sheet evolution with the formation of the magmatic sulfide mineralization. The author, Peter Lightfoot, has been based in Sudbury for 25 years. As a top scientist on magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits and a Chief Geologist with the Brownfield Exploration group at Vale Base Metals, Peter has been positioned to develop and assemble the ideas presented in this book, which are perfectly balanced between industry and academia.

Geochemical Assessment of Fluoride Pollution in Groundwater of Tribal Region in India.

PubMed

Anshumali; Kumar, Manish; Chanda, Nikki; Kumar, Abhay; Kumar, Bijendra; Venkatesh, Madavi

2018-03-01

This study assessed the fluoride (F - ) pollution in groundwater samples (n = 170) of tribal regions around Bailadila Iron Ore Mines [BIOM] Complex of Dantewada District, India. Weathering of carbonate and silicate clays were important geogenic sources of dissolved ions. A Piper diagram showed a Ca-HCO 3 water type, with positive chloro-alkaline indices illustrating the occurrence of direct base-exchange reactions. The F - concentrations varied from 0.08 to 1.95 mg L -1 with a mean value of 0.9 ± 0.3 mg L -1 . Only two groundwater samples showed F - concentrations > 1.5 mg L -1 , the drinking water guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Factor analysis showed high loadings of HCO 3 - and F - , indicating alkaline conditions, favoring the dissolution of F - in the groundwater. The K fluor value is less than 10 -10.6 , indicating that the dissociation of fluorite is very slow. As a result, groundwater locations were under-saturated with respect to fluorite.

Raman spectroscopy of efflorescent sulfate salts from Iron Mountain Mine Superfund Site, California.

PubMed

Sobron, Pablo; Alpers, Charles N

2013-03-01

The Iron Mountain Mine Superfund Site near Redding, California, is a massive sulfide ore deposit that was mined for iron, silver, gold, copper, zinc, and pyrite intermittently for nearly 100 years. As a result, both water and air reached the sulfide deposits deep within the mountain, producing acid mine drainage consisting of sulfuric acid and heavy metals from the ore. Particularly, the drainage water from the Richmond Mine at Iron Mountain is among the most acidic waters naturally found on Earth. The mineralogy at Iron Mountain can serve as a proxy for understanding sulfate formation on Mars. Selected sulfate efflorescent salts from Iron Mountain, formed from extremely acidic waters via drainage from sulfide mining, have been characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy. Gypsum, ferricopiapite, copiapite, melanterite, coquimbite, and voltaite are found within the samples. This work has implications for Mars mineralogical and geochemical investigations as well as for terrestrial environmental investigations related to acid mine drainage contamination.

Determination of the occurrence of gold in an unoxidized Carlin-type ore sample using synchrotron radiation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, J.R.; Chao, E.C.T.; Minkin, J.A.; Back, J.M.; Bagby, W.C.; Rivers, M.L.; Sutton, S.R.; Gordon, B.M.; Hanson, A.L.; Jones, K.W.

1987-01-01

The occurrence of the so-called invisible gold in two unoxidized Carlin-type gold samples from Nevada has been determined using synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) analysis at the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory. A bedded sample from the East ore zone of the Carlin deposit and a breccia sample from Horse Canyon were analyzed. Preliminary results show that gold is found only in the Horse Canyon breccia sample. Experimental details including other X-ray line and diffraction peak interferences, standards used, and minimum detection limits (MDLs) are discussed. Gold, with a MDL range of 0.8 to 3 ppm, was not detected in euhedral pyrite crystals except in the interior porous portion of one grain. Gold was detected in some parts of the matrix. The phase which contains gold has not yet been identified. The highest content of gold so far analyzed is about 40 ppm. There are interesting implications of these new findings. ?? 1987.

Les amas sulfurés du massif miocène d'El Aouana (Algérie)— I. Dynamisme de mise en place des roches volcaniques et implications métallogéniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villemaire, Cl.

Two main units have been distinguished in the Miocene El Aouana area. A tectonic event occurs between their respective deposits inducing faulting, tilting of the lower volcanic unit and caldeira structure. The lower unit comprises first continental air fall pyroclastic rocks and dacitic flows, then marine flow pyroclastic rocks, dacitic flows and epiclastic rocks. The upper volcanic unit, announced by extensive andesitic flows, is characterized by pyroclastic flow sheets. The two units are intruded by dacitic domes. These volcanic rocks belong to the calco-alcaline succession, with well-expressed acidic terms. The ore deposits are formed by lenses, stockworks and lodes. They are massive sulphides ore type. Mineralizations are strictly localized at the contact boundary between dacitic intrusive rocks and marine pyroclastic flows and epiclastic rocks. We suggest that the systematic research of dacitic domes would be successful to increase the mining reserves of this area.

The electrical resistivity signature of a fault controlling gold mineralization and the implications for Mesozoic mineralization: a case study from the Jiaojia Fault, eastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kun; Lü, Qingtian; Yan, Jiayong; Hu, Hao; Fu, GuangMing

2017-08-01

We use 3D audio magnetotelluric method to the south segment of Jiaojia fault belt, and obtain the 3D electrical model of this area. Regional geophysical data were combined in an analysis of strata and major structural distribution in the study area, and included the southern segment of the Jiaojia fault zone transformed into two fault assemblages. Together with the previous studies of the ore-controlling action of the Jiaojia fault belt and deposit characteristics, the two faults are considered to be favorable metallogenic provinces, because some important features coupled with them, such as the subordinate fault intersection zone and several fault assemblages in one fault zone. It was also suggested the control action of later fault with reversed downthrows to the ore distribution. These studies have enabled us to predict the presence of two likely target regions of mineralization, and are prospecting breakthrough in the southern section of Jiaojia in the Shandong Peninsula, China.

Raman spectroscopy of efflorescent sulfate salts from Iron Mountain Mine Superfund Site, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sobron, Pablo; Alpers, Charles N.

2013-01-01

The Iron Mountain Mine Superfund Site near Redding, California, is a massive sulfide ore deposit that was mined for iron, silver, gold, copper, zinc, and pyrite intermittently for nearly 100 years. As a result, both water and air reached the sulfide deposits deep within the mountain, producing acid mine drainage consisting of sulfuric acid and heavy metals from the ore. Particularly, the drainage water from the Richmond Mine at Iron Mountain is among the most acidic waters naturally found on Earth. The mineralogy at Iron Mountain can serve as a proxy for understanding sulfate formation on Mars. Selected sulfate efflorescent salts from Iron Mountain, formed from extremely acidic waters via drainage from sulfide mining, have been characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy. Gypsum, ferricopiapite, copiapite, melanterite, coquimbite, and voltaite are found within the samples. This work has implications for Mars mineralogical and geochemical investigations as well as for terrestrial environmental investigations related to acid mine drainage contamination.

40 CFR 440.110 - Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... platinum ore subcategory. 440.110 Section 440.110 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Platinum Ores Subcategory § 440.110 Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory. The provisions of this subpart K are applicable to discharges from (a) mines that produce platinum ore and (b...

40 CFR 440.110 - Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... platinum ore subcategory. 440.110 Section 440.110 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Platinum Ores Subcategory § 440.110 Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory. The provisions of this subpart K are applicable to discharges from (a) mines that produce platinum ore and (b...

40 CFR 440.110 - Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... platinum ore subcategory. 440.110 Section 440.110 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Platinum Ores Subcategory § 440.110 Applicability; description of the platinum ore subcategory. The provisions of this subpart K are applicable to discharges from (a) mines that produce platinum ore and (b...

36. ORE DOCK, LOOKING WEST. HULETT UNLOADERS AWAIT THE NEXT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

36. ORE DOCK, LOOKING WEST. HULETT UNLOADERS AWAIT THE NEXT ORE BOAT. BY LATE WINTER, THE ORE STORAGE YARD SEEN AT LEFT WILL BE DEPLETED. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

40 CFR 440.80 - Applicability; description of the vanadium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... vanadium ore subcategory. 440.80 Section 440.80 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Vanadium Ore Subcategory (Mined Alone and Not as a Byproduct) § 440.80 Applicability; description of the vanadium ore...

40 CFR 440.80 - Applicability; description of the vanadium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... vanadium ore subcategory. 440.80 Section 440.80 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Vanadium Ore Subcategory (Mined Alone and Not as a Byproduct) § 440.80 Applicability; description of the vanadium ore...

8. EAST ELEVATION OF SKIDOO MILL AND UPPER ORE BIN, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. EAST ELEVATION OF SKIDOO MILL AND UPPER ORE BIN, LOOKING WEST FROM ACCESS ROAD. THE ROADWAY ON THIS LEVEL (CENTER) WAS USED FOR UNLOADING ORE BROUGHT ON BURROWS INTO THE ORE BIN AT THE TOP LEVEL OF THE MILL. THE ORE BIN IN THE UPPER LEFT WAS ADDED LATER WHEN ORE WAS BROUGHT TO THE MILL BY TRUCKS. - Skidoo Mine, Park Route 38 (Skidoo Road), Death Valley Junction, Inyo County, CA

The Problem of Preconcentration of Uranium Ores by Physical Processes; LES PROBLEMES DE LA PRECONCENTRATION DES MINERAIS D'URANIUM PAR VOIE PHYSIQUE. LE TRIAGE ELECTRONIQUE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vuchot, L.; Ginocchio, A. et al.

1959-10-31

As uranium ores, like most other ores, are not definite substances which can be treated directly for the production of the metal, the ores must be concentrated. The common physical processes used for all ores, such as sieving, gravimetric separation, flotation, electromagnetic separation, and electrostatic separation, are applicable to the beneficiation of uranium. The radioactivity of uranium ores has led to a radiometric method for the concentration. This method is described in detail. As an example, the preconcentration of Forez ores is discussed. (J.S.R.)

DETAIL VIEW OF LOWER TRAM TERMINAL, SECONDARY ORE BIN, CRUSHER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

DETAIL VIEW OF LOWER TRAM TERMINAL, SECONDARY ORE BIN, CRUSHER FOUNDATION, AND BALL MILL FOUNDATIONS, LOOKING NORTH NORTHWEST. ORE FROM THE MINES WAS DUMPED FROM THE TRAM BUCKETS INTO THE PRIMARY ORE BIN UNDER THE TRAM TERMINAL. A SLIDING CONTROL DOOR INTRODUCED THE INTO THE JAW CRUSHER (FOUNDATIONS,CENTER). THE CRUSHED ORE WAS THEN CONVEYED INTO THE SECONDARY ORE BIN AT CENTER LEFT. A HOLE IN THE FLOOR OF THE ORE BIN PASSED ORE ONTO ANOTHER CONVEYOR THAT BROUGHT IT OUT TO THE BALL MILL(FOUNDATIONS,CENTER BOTTOM). THIS SYSTEM IS MOST LIKELY NOT THE ORIGINAL SET UP, PROBABLY INSTALLED IN THE MINE'S LAST OCCUPATION IN THE EARLY 1940s. - Keane Wonder Mine, Park Route 4 (Daylight Pass Cutoff), Death Valley Junction, Inyo County, CA

Models of a partially hydrated Titan interior with a clathrate crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lunine, J. I.; Castillo-Rogez, J. C.; Choukroun, M.; Sotin, C.

2012-04-01

We present a model of the interior evolution of Titan over time, assuming the silicate core was hydrated early in Titan’s history and is dehydrating over time. The original model presented in Castillo-Rogez and Lunine (2010) was motivated by a Cassini-derived moment of inertia (Iess et al., 2010) for Titan too large to be accommodated by classical fully differentiated models in which an anhydrous silicate core was overlain by a water ice (with possible perched ocean) mantle. Our model consists of a silicate core still in the process of dehydrating today, a situation made possible by the leaching of radiogenic potassium from the silicates into the perched liquid water ocean. The most recent version of our model accounts for the likely presence of large amounts of methane in the upper crust invoked to explain methane’s persistence at present and through geologic time (Tobie et al. 2006). The methane-rich crust turns out to have essentially no bearing on the temperature of the silicate core and hence the timing of dehydration, but it profoundly affects the thickness of the high-pressure ice layer beneath the ocean. Indeed, the insulating effect of the methane clathrate crust could have delayed the formation of the high-pressure layer, resulting in the interaction of liquid water with the silicate core for extended periods of time. Although a high-pressure ice layer is likely in place today, it is thin enough that plumes of hot water from the dehydrating core probably breach that layer. The implications of such a deep hydrothermal system for the later stages of the evolution of Titan’s interior and surface will be discussed. Part of this work has been performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract to NASA. Government sponsorship acknowledged. References: Castillo-Rogez, J., Lunine, J.: “Evolution of Titan’s rocky core constrained by Cassini observations”. GRL, Vol. 37, L20205, 2010. Iess, L., et al.: “Gravity field, shape, and moment of inertia of Titan”. Science, Vol. 327, 1367-1369. Tobie, G., et al.: “Episodic outgassing as the origin of atmospheric methane on Titan”. Nature 440: 61-64, 2006.

An AMS study of different silicic units from the southern Paraná-Etendeka Magmatic Province in Brazil: Implications for the identification of flow directions and local sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guimarães, L. F.; Raposo, M. I. B.; Janasi, V. A.; Cañón-Tapia, E.; Polo, L. A.

2018-04-01

In the Southern portion of the Paraná-Etendeka Magmatic Province in Brazil, extensive silicic (dacite-rhyolite) deposits occur at the top of a sequence of low-Ti pahoehoe to rubbly basalts. The internal architecture of the silicic deposits and their eruptive style, as well as the location of their sources are still unsatisfactorily known. In an attempt to provide independent evidence for flow directions in deposits previously characterized as effusive, and test the hypothesis of local sources, we carried out anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies on the two main silicic units (Caxias do Sul dacites and Santa Maria Rhyolites) with the best exposures in an area previously mapped in detail. Magnetic anisotropies were determined on oriented cylindrical specimens from a total of 28 sites. Rock magnetism properties indicate that "pseudo-single-domain" magnetite carries the fabrics and the remanence. Magnetic fabrics were determined by applying anisotropy of low-field magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (AARM). Both AMS and AARM tensors are coaxial, indicating that the AMS fabric is not affected by the effect of magnetite single-domain grains. Magnetic data from several dacitic coulées (Caxias do Sul unit) indicate flows from SE to NW. The location and spatial distribution of these lavas support the hypothesis of local sources, aligned along a NE-SW trend. These data are in agreement with the alignments of structures (dome-shaped hills) observed in field work and DEM images. On the other hand, magnetic data obtained in Santa Maria rhyolites indicate that flow directions in two different areas are distinct (towards NW/NE and W), suggesting that they derived from different emission centers. So, regarding the silicic volcanism in the studied region, our data do not support the model which classifies the entire silicic volcanism of the province as extensive rheomorphic pyroclastic deposits released from a central conduit. In contrast, we propose the occurrence of local volcanic events, implying in the existence of different sources, possibly characterized by local emission centers.

Solvent extraction of diatomite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, W.

1984-07-24

There is provided a method of extracting hydrocarbons from a diatomite ore. The particle size of the ore is first reduced to form a processed ore. The processed ore is then mixed with a substantially irregular granular material to form an unstratified ore mixture having increased permeability to an extracting solvent. The unstratified ore mixture is then permeated with an extracting solvent to obtain a hydrocarbon-solvent stream from which hydrocarbons are subsequently separated. The irregular granular material may be sand.

25. FRONT END LOADERS MOMENTARILY IN REPOSE IN THE ORE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

25. FRONT END LOADERS MOMENTARILY IN REPOSE IN THE ORE STORAGE YARD. AN ORE BRIDGE THAT FORMERLY TRANSFERRED ORE WITHIN THE STORAGE YARD WAS DESTROYED BY A BLIZZARD IN 1978. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

38. HULETT ORE UNLOADERS IN MOTION; UNLOADING CANADIAN RED ORE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

38. HULETT ORE UNLOADERS IN MOTION; UNLOADING CANADIAN RED ORE FROM THE GEORGE M. CARL.' VIEW LOOKING EAST. (Also see OH-18-14, OH-18-39, and OH-18-40) - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

14. HULETT ORE UNLOADERS IN MOTION; UNLOADING CANADIAN RED ORE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

14. HULETT ORE UNLOADERS IN MOTION; UNLOADING CANADIAN RED ORE FROM THE 'GEORGE M. CAR.' VIEW LOOKING EAST. (Also see OH-18-38, OH-18-39, and OH-18-40.) - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

The partitioning of Cu, Au and Mo between liquid and vapor at magmatic temperatures and its implications for the genesis of magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zajacz, Zoltán; Candela, Philip A.; Piccoli, Philip M.

2017-06-01

The partition coefficients of Cu, Au and Mo between liquid and vapor were determined at P = 130 MPa and T = 900 °C, and P = 90 MPa and T = 650 °C and redox conditions favoring the dominance of reduced S species in the fluid. The experiments at 900 °C were conducted in rapid-quench Molybdenum-Hafnium Carbide externally-heated pressure vessel assemblies, whereas those at 650 °C were run in René41 pressure vessels. The fluids were sampled at run conditions using the synthetic fluid inclusion technique. The host quartz was fractured in situ during the experiments ensuring the entrapment of equilibrium fluids. A new method was developed to quantify the composition of the vapor inclusions from LA-ICPMS analyses relying on the use of boron as an internal standard, an element that fractionates between vapor and liquid to a very small degree. The bulk starting fluid compositions closely represented those expected to exsolve from felsic silicate melts in upper crustal magma reservoirs (0.64 m NaCl, 0.32 m KCl, ±0.2 m HCl and/or 4 wt% S). The experiments were conducted in Au97Cu3 alloy capsules allowing the simultaneous determination of apparent Au and Cu solubilities in the liquid and the vapor phase. Though the apparent metal solubilities were strongly affected by the addition of HCl and S in both phases, all three elements were found to preferentially partition to a liquid phase at all studied conditions with an increasing degree of preference for the liquid in the following order Au < Cu < Mo. The presence of HCl and S did not have a significant effect on the liquid/vapor partition coefficients of either Au or Cu, whereas the presence of HCl slightly shifted the partitioning of Mo in favor of the vapor. Ore metal partition coefficients normalized to that of Na (Ki-Naliq/ vap =Diliq/vap /DNaliq/vap) fall in the following ranges respectively for each studied metal: KAu-Naliq / vap = 0.20 ± 0.07-0.50 ± 0.19 (1σ); KCu-Naliq / vap = 0.36 ± 0.12-0.76 ± 0.22; KMo-Naliq/ vap = 0.67 ± 0.15-2.5 ± 0.8. Decreasing T from 900 °C to 650 °C slightly shifted KAu-Naliq / vap and KCu-Naliq / vap to the lower end of the reported ranges. A consequence of KAu-Naliq / vap and KCu-Naliq / vap being significantly smaller than 1 is that much of the Au and a significant fraction of Cu may be carried to shallower levels of magmatic-hydrothermal systems by residual vapors despite potentially extensive brine condensation.

A unique ore-placer cluster with high-Hg gold mineralization in the Amur region (Russia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanov, V. A.; Moyseenko, V. G.; Melnikov, A. V.

2017-02-01

This work presents the geological structure and a description of gold-ore manifestations and gold placers in the Un'ya-Bom ore-placer cluster of the Amur gold-bearing province. The host rocks are Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic black-shale formations. Intrusive formations are rare. The sublatitudinal Un'ya thrust fault, along which Paleozoic sandstones overlap Mesozoic flyschoid deposits, is regarded as an orecontrolling structure. Gold-quartz and low-sulfide ores are confined to quartz-vein zones. Ore minerals are arsenopyrite, scheelite, ferberite, galena, and native gold. Gold-ore manifestations and placers contain high-Hg native gold. The high Hg content in native gold is explained by the occurrence of the eroded frontal part of the gold-ore pipe in the ore cluster, a source of native gold.

Blasting preparation for selective mining of complex structured ore deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinin, M. A.; Dolzhikov, V. V.

2017-10-01

Technological features of ore mining in the open pit development for processing of complex structured ore deposit of steeply falling occurrence have been considered. The technological schemes of ore bodies mining under different conditions of occurrence, consistency and capacity have been considered and offered in the paper. These technologies permit to reduce losses and dilution, but to increase the completeness and quality of mined ore. A method of subsequent selective excavation of ore bodies has been proposed. The method is based on the complex use of buffer-blasting technology for the muck mass and the principle of trim blasting at ore-rock junctions.

Hydrologic and Temporal Influences of Evaporite Minerals on the Vertical Distribution, Storage, and Mobility of Uranium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roycroft, S. J.; Noel, V.; Boye, K.; Besancon, C.; Weaver, K. L.; Johnson, R. H.; Dam, W. L.; Fendorf, S. E.; Bargar, J.

2016-12-01

Uranium contaminated groundwater in Riverton, Wyoming persists despite anticipated natural attenuation outside of a former uranium ore processing facility. The inability of natural flushing to dilute the uranium below the regulatory threshold indicates that sediments act as secondary sources likely (re)supplying uranium to groundwater. Throughout the contaminated floodplain, uranium rich-evaporites are readily abundant in the upper 2 m of sediments and are spatially coincident with the location of the plume, which suggests a likely link between evaporites and increased uranium levels. Knowledge of where and how uranium is stored within evaporite-associated sediments is required to understand processes controlling the mobility of uranium. We expect that flooding and seasonal changes in hydrologic conditions will affect U phase partitioning, and thus largely control U mobility. The primary questions we are addressing in this project are: What is the relative abundance of uranium incorporated in various mineral complexes throughout the evaporite sediments? How do the factors of depth, location, and seasonality influence the relative incorporation, mobility and speciation of uranium?We have systematically sampled from two soil columns over three dates in Riverton. The sampling dates span before and after a significant flooding event, providing insight into the flood's impact on local uranium mobility. Sequential chemical extractions are used to decipher the reactivity of uranium and approximate U operationally defined within reactants targeting carbonate, silicate, organic, and metal oxide bound or water and exchangeable phases. Extractions throughout the entirety of the sediment cores provide a high-resolution vertical profile of the distribution of uranium in various extracted phases. Throughout the profile, the majority (50-60%) of uranium is bound within carbonate-targeted extracts, a direct effect of the carbonate-rich evaporite sediments. The sum of our analyses provide a dynamic model of uranium incorporation within evaporite sediments holding implications for the fate of uranium throughout contaminated sites across the Colorado River Basin.

46 CFR 97.12-1 - Bulk ores and similar cargoes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Bulk ores and similar cargoes. 97.12-1 Section 97.12-1... OPERATIONS Cargo Stowage § 97.12-1 Bulk ores and similar cargoes. (a) The owners or operators of general cargo vessels which carry bulk cargoes such as ore, ore concentrates, and similar cargoes shall furnish...

Intensification of the Reverse Cationic Flotation of Hematite Ores with Optimization of Process and Hydrodynamic Parameters of Flotation Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poperechnikova, O. Yu; Filippov, L. O.; Shumskaya, E. N.; Filippova, I. V.

2017-07-01

The demand of high grade iron ore concentrates is a major issue due to the depletion of rich iron-bearing ores and high competitiveness in the iron ore market. Iron ore production is forced out to upgrade flowsheets to decrease the silica content in the pelettes. Different types of ore have different mineral composition and texture-structural features which require different mineral processing methods and technologies. The paper presents a comparative study of the cationic and anionic flotation routes to process a fine-grain oxidized iron ore. The modified carboxymethyl cellulose was found as the most efficient depressant in reverse cationic flotation. The results of flotation optimization of hematite ores using matrix of second-order center rotatable uniform design allowed to define the collector concentration, impeller rotation speed and air flowrate as the main flotation parameters impacting on the iron ore concentrate quality and iron recovery in a laboratory flotation machine. These parameters have been selected as independent during the experiments.

Chalcophile element geochemistry of the Boggy Plain zoned pluton, southeastern Australia: a S-saturated barren compositionally diverse magmatic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jung-Woo; Campbell, Ian H.; Ickert, Ryan B.; Allen, Charlotte M.

2013-02-01

The behavior of the platinum group elements (PGE) and Re in felsic magmas is poorly understood due to scarcity of data. We report the concentrations of Ni, Cu, Re, and PGE in the compositionally diverse Boggy Plain zoned pluton (BPZP), which shows a variation of rock type from gabbro through granodiorite and granite to aplite with a SiO2 range from 52 to 74 wt %. In addition, major silicate and oxide minerals were analyzed for Ni, Cu, and Re, and a systematic sulfide study was carried out to investigate the role of silicate, oxide, and sulfide minerals on chalcophile element geochemistry of the BPZP. Mass balance calculation shows that the whole rock Cu budget hosted by silicate and oxide minerals is <13 wt % and that Cu is dominantly located in sulfide phases, whereas most of the whole rock Ni budget (>70 wt %) is held in major silicate and oxide minerals. Rhenium is dominantly hosted by magnetite and ilmenite. Ovoid-shaped sulfide blebs occur at the boundary between pyroxene phenocrysts and neighboring interstitial phases or within interstitial minerals in the gabbro and the granodiorite. The blebs are composed of pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and S-bearing Fe-oxide, which contain total trace metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pb) up to ~16 wt %. The mineral assemblage, occurrence, shape, and composition of the sulfide blebs are a typical of magmatic sulfide. PGE concentrations in the BPZP vary by more than two orders of magnitude from gabbro (2.7-7.8 ppb Pd, 0.025-0.116 ppb Ir) to aplite (0.05 ppb Pd, 0.001 ppb Ir). Nickel, Cu, Re, and PGE concentrations are positively correlated with MgO in all the rock types although there is a clear discontinuity between the granodiorite and the granite in the trends for Ni, Rh, and Ir when plotted against MgO. Cu/Pd values gradually increase from 6,100 to 52,600 as the MgO content decreases. The sulfide petrology and chalcophile element geochemistry of the BPZP show that sulfide saturation occurred in the late gabbroic stage of magma differentiation. Segregation and distribution of these sulfide blebs controlled Cu and PGE variations within the BPZP rocks although the magma of each rock type may have experienced a different magma evolution history in terms of crustal assimilation and crystal fractionation. The sulfide melt locked in the cumulate rocks must have sequestered a significant portion of the chalcophile elements, which restricted the availability of these metals to magmatic-hydrothermal ore fluids. Therefore, we suggest that the roof rocks that overlay the BPZP were not prospective for magmatic-hydrothermal Cu, Au, or Cu-Au deposits.

Constitutive mass balance relations between chemical composition, volume, density, porosity, and strain in metasomatic hydrochemical systems: Results on weathering and pedogenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brimhall, George H.; Dietrich, William E.

1987-03-01

Relations characterizing the chemical, physical, and mechanical changes resulting from metasomatic hydrochemical processes are developed using mass balance models which formally link chemical composition to bulk density, mineral density, volumetric properties, porosity, and amount of deformation (strain). Rigorous analysis of aqueous solute transport effects is then made possible in a variety of porous media flow environments including chemical weathering, pedogenesis (soil formation), diagenesis, ore deposition and enrichment, and metamorphism. Application of these linear constitutive relations to chemical weathering profiles shows that immobile and locally mobile chemical elements, with masses conserved on the scale of soil profiles, can be accurately identified from analysis of appropriate data arrays and then used as natural geochemical tracers to infer the nature and extent of hydrochemical weathering processes and volume changes during pedogenesis. Assumptions commonly made in the past about the supposed immobility of certain elements, e.g., Ti and Zr, become unnecessary. Quantitative differentiation between the effects of residual and supergene fractionation is then easily made. These methods are applied to Ni-rich laterites developed by weathering of ultramafic rocks, showing that during ordinary residual enrichment, Ni is concentrated by as much as 4× protolith peridotite concentrations. This occurs simply by silicate mineral dissolution and removal of chemical elements other than Ni ( e.g., Mg) with a corresponding reduction in saprolite density and increase in bulk porosity without significant deformation. In contrast, laterites with mineable concentrations of Ni which are similarly undeformed (such as the Nickel Mountain Mine in Riddle, Oregon) have experienced, in addition to residual enrichment, strong supergene enrichment by fractionation of ore elements between a leached zone from which Ni is extracted and a complementary enriched zone positioned farther along the direction of ground water flow. Soil-forming processes in podzol chronosequences developed on sandy beach terraces of the Mendocino Coast of California involved soil column collapse of 60 percent by dissolution of silicate minerals in the albic horizon of Al and Fe leaching, and 70 percent dilation (expansion) in the overlying organic-rich layer by root growth. The amount of erosion based upon paleosurface reconstructions using the excess mass of Fe, Al, Pb, Ga, and Cu in the zone of supergene enrichment (spodic horizon) below the ground water table indicates that subsurface erosion by dissolutional collapse is three times that of surficial erosion. Finally, using published chemical data for Ti, Zr, and Cr on major bauxite deposits in Australia where erosion rates are thought to be low, we infer that there may have been major amounts of dissolutional collapse to explain the upwards increase of detrital zircon and rutile in weathering profiles.

40 CFR 440.40 - Applicability; description of the mercury ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Mercury Ore... are applicable to discharges from (a) mines, either open-pit or underground, that produce mercury ores...

5. Foreground: ore bridges, ore/coke/limestone bins, Detroit River; background: stock ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. Foreground: ore bridges, ore/coke/limestone bins, Detroit River; background: stock house on left, stripper building, BOF. Looking south/southwest - Rouge Steel Company, 3001 Miller Road, Dearborn, MI

ORE CONVEYANCE SYSTEM AND ADIT. LOOKING WEST. ORE FROM THE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ORE CONVEYANCE SYSTEM AND ADIT. LOOKING WEST. ORE FROM THE MINES ABOVE AT THE RIDGELINE AND TO THE RIGHT WAS CONVEYED TO THIS AREA AND DUMPED INTO THE SHAFT AT CENTER. THIS SHAFT OPENS INTO THE ADIT AT BOTTOM CENTER. THERE IS ANOTHER SHAFT OPENING INTO THE ADIT JUST ABOVE THE ADIT BEHIND THE STONE WALL. THE ORE WAS LOADED INTO TRAM CARS INSIDE THE ADIT AND CONVEYED ON TRACKS TO THE TRESTLE LEADING TO THE PRIMARY ORE BIN AT THE TRAM TERMINAL. TRACKS CAN BE SEEN LEADING FROM THE ADIT AND TO THE LEFT. THE ORE WAS THEN DUMPED INTO A CHUTE AT THE END OF THE TRESTLE CARRYING IT INTO THE ORE BIN AT THE TRAM TERMINAL(SEE CHUTE ON CA-291-30). - Keane Wonder Mine, Park Route 4 (Daylight Pass Cutoff), Death Valley Junction, Inyo County, CA

40 CFR 440.100 - Applicability; description of the copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and molybdenum ores subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... process alone or in conjunction with other processes, for the beneficiation of copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, or molybdenum ores, or any combination of these ores; (3) Mines and mills that use dump, heap, in-situ leach, or vat-leach processes to extract copper from ores or ore waste materials; and (4) Mills...

40 CFR 440.100 - Applicability; description of the copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and molybdenum ores subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... process alone or in conjunction with other processes, for the beneficiation of copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, or molybdenum ores, or any combination of these ores; (3) Mines and mills that use dump, heap, in-situ leach, or vat-leach processes to extract copper from ores or ore waste materials; and (4) Mills...

40 CFR 440.100 - Applicability; description of the copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, and molybdenum ores subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... process alone or in conjunction with other processes, for the beneficiation of copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, or molybdenum ores, or any combination of these ores; (3) Mines and mills that use dump, heap, in-situ leach, or vat-leach processes to extract copper from ores or ore waste materials; and (4) Mills...

Krasnotur'insk Skarn copper ore field, Northern Urals: The U-Pb age of ore-controlling diorites and their place in the regional metallogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grabezhev, A. I.; Ronkin, Yu. L.; Puchkov, V. N.; Gerdes, A.; Rovnushkin, M. Yu.

2014-06-01

The Krasnotur'insk skarn copper ore field known from the theoretical works of Academician K.S. Korzhinskii is located in the western part of the Tagil volcanic zone (in the area of the town of Krasnotur'insk). The ore field is composed of layered Devonian (Emsian) volcanosedimentary rocks intruded by small plutons of quartz diorites, diorites, and gabbrodiorites. Widespread pre-ore and intra-ore dikes of similar composition control the abundance of the andradite skarns formed after limestones and the magnetitesulfide and sulfide ore bodies formed after skarns. The LA-ICP-MS U-Pb concordant age of zircon from the quartz diorite of the Vasil'evsko-Moskalevskii pluton calculated by 16 analyses (16 crystals) is 407.7 ± 1.6 Ma (MSWD = 1.5). Taking into account the geological and petrogeochemical similarity of diorites of small plutons and intra-ore dikes, it is assumed that this age corresponds to the period of formation of the ore-magmatic system of the Krasnotur'insk skarn copper ore field. It was probably formed somewhat earlier than the Auerbakh montzonitic pluton and the accompanying skarn magnetite deposits in the south.

Alteration, adsorption and nucleation processes on clay-water interfaces: Mechanisms for the retention of uranium by altered clay surfaces on the nanometer scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schindler, Michael; Legrand, Christine A.; Hochella, Michael F.

2015-03-01

Nano-scale processes on the solid-water interface of clay minerals control the mobility of metals in the environment. These processes can occur in confined pore spaces of clay buffers and barriers as well as in contaminated sediments and involve a combination of alteration, adsorption and nucleation processes of multiple species and phases. This study characterizes nano-scale processes on the interface between clay minerals and uranyl-bearing solution near neutral pH. Samples of clay minerals with a contact pH of ∼6.7 are collected from a U mill and mine tailings at Key Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. The tailings material contains Cu-, As-, Co-, Mo-, Ni-, Se-bearing polymetallic phases and has been deposited with a surplus of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CO3 slaked lime. Small volumes of mill-process solutions containing sulfuric acid and U are occasionally discharged onto the surface of the tailings and are neutralized after discharge by reactions with the slaked lime. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with the focused ion beam (FIB) technique and other analytical methods (SEM, XRD, XRF and ICP-OES) are used to characterize the chemical and mineralogical composition of phases within confined pore spaces of the clay minerals montmorillonite and kaolinite and in the surrounding tailings material. Alteration zones around the clay minerals are characterized by different generations of secondary silicates containing variable proportions of adsorbed uranyl- and arsenate-species and by the intergrowth of the silicates with the uranyl-minerals cuprosklodowskite, Cu[(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2](H2O)6 and metazeunerite, Cu[(UO2)(AsO4)2](H2O)8. The majority of alteration phases such as illite, illite-smectite, kaolinite and vermiculite have been most likely formed in the sedimentary basin of the U-ore deposit and contain low amounts of Fe (<5 at.%). Iron-enriched Al-silicates or illite-smectites (Fe >10 at.%) formed most likely in the limed tailings at high contact pH (∼10.5) and their structure is characterized by a low degree of long-range order. Adsorption of U and nucleation of metazeunerite and cuprosklodowskite are strongly controlled by the presence of the adsorbed oxy-anion species arsenate and silica on the Fe-enriched silicates. Heterogeneous nucleation of nano-crystals of the uranyl minerals occurs most likely on adsorption sites of binary uranyl-, arsenate- and silica-complexes as well as on ternary uranyl-arsenate or uranyl-silicate complexes. The uranyl minerals occur as aggregates of misoriented nano-size crystals and are the result of supersaturated solutions and a high number of nucleation sites that prevented the formation of larger crystals through Oswald ripening. The results of this study provide an understanding of interfacial nano-scale processes between uranyl species and altered clay buffers in a potential Nuclear Waste repository as similar alteration conditions of clays may occur in a multi-barrier system.

13. ORE DOCK, LOOKING EAST FROM HULETT NO. 1. WHEN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

13. ORE DOCK, LOOKING EAST FROM HULETT NO. 1. WHEN BUILT IN 1911-1912, THIS WAS THE LARGEST ORE-UNLOADING DOCK ON THE GREAT LAKES. THE DOCK FEATURED FOUR HULETT UNLOADERS, EACH WITH A BUCKET CAPACITY OF 17 TONS; A 15-TON CAPACITY ORE STOCKING AND REHANDLING BRIDGE; AND A ONE-MILLION-TON CAPACITY ORE STORAGE YARD. THE WILLIAM-SEAVER-MORGAN COMPANY OF CLEVELAND BUILT THE DOCK EQUIPMENT. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

Shock compression of stishovite and melting of silica at planetary interior conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millot, M.; Dubrovinskaia, N.; Černok, A.; Blaha, S.; Dubrovinsky, L.; Braun, D. G.; Celliers, P. M.; Collins, G. W.; Eggert, J. H.; Jeanloz, R.

2015-01-01

Deep inside planets, extreme density, pressure, and temperature strongly modify the properties of the constituent materials. In particular, how much heat solids can sustain before melting under pressure is key to determining a planet’s internal structure and evolution. We report laser-driven shock experiments on fused silica, α-quartz, and stishovite yielding equation-of-state and electronic conductivity data at unprecedented conditions and showing that the melting temperature of SiO2 rises to 8300 K at a pressure of 500 gigapascals, comparable to the core-mantle boundary conditions for a 5-Earth mass super-Earth. We show that mantle silicates and core metal have comparable melting temperatures above 500 to 700 gigapascals, which could favor long-lived magma oceans for large terrestrial planets with implications for planetary magnetic-field generation in silicate magma layers deep inside such planets.

Planetary science. Shock compression of stishovite and melting of silica at planetary interior conditions.

PubMed

Millot, M; Dubrovinskaia, N; Černok, A; Blaha, S; Dubrovinsky, L; Braun, D G; Celliers, P M; Collins, G W; Eggert, J H; Jeanloz, R

2015-01-23

Deep inside planets, extreme density, pressure, and temperature strongly modify the properties of the constituent materials. In particular, how much heat solids can sustain before melting under pressure is key to determining a planet's internal structure and evolution. We report laser-driven shock experiments on fused silica, α-quartz, and stishovite yielding equation-of-state and electronic conductivity data at unprecedented conditions and showing that the melting temperature of SiO2 rises to 8300 K at a pressure of 500 gigapascals, comparable to the core-mantle boundary conditions for a 5-Earth mass super-Earth. We show that mantle silicates and core metal have comparable melting temperatures above 500 to 700 gigapascals, which could favor long-lived magma oceans for large terrestrial planets with implications for planetary magnetic-field generation in silicate magma layers deep inside such planets. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Effect of Silicon on Activity Coefficients of P, Bl, CD, SN, and AG in Liquid Fe-Si, and Implications for Differentiation and Core Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Pando, K.; Ross, D. K.

2017-01-01

Cores of differentiated bodies (Earth, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Vesta) contain light elements such as S, C, Si, and O. We have previously measured small effects of Si on metal-silicate partitioning of Ni and Co [1,2], and larger effects for Mo, Ge, Sb, As [2]. The effect of Si on many siderophile elements could be an important, and as yet unquantified, influence on the core-mantle partitioning of SE. Here we report new experiments designed to quantify the effect of Si on the partitioning of Bi, Cd, Sn, Ag, and P between metal and silicate melt. The results will be applied to Earth, Mars, Mercury, Moon, and Vesta, for which we have excellent constraints on the mantle Bi, Cd, Sn, Ag, and P concentrations from mantle and/or basalt samples.

Electrolysis of lunar soil to produce oxygen and metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, Russell O.; Haskin, Larry A.; Keller, R.

1991-01-01

The discussion of melt electrolysis consists of three sections. The implications of the chemistry and physics of fluxed and raw melts on melt electrolysis are discussed first. This includes discussion of the factor that influence melt resistivity, melt viscosity, oxygen production efficiency, and the theoretical energy required to produce oxygen. Second, the implications of phase equilibria and solubilities in silicate melts on the selection of materials for container and electrodes are discussed. The implications of proposed container and electrode materials on melt composition and how this effects expected resistivities, viscosities, as outlined in the first section are discussed. Finally, a general discussion of the basic features of both the fluxed and unfluxed melt electrolysis is given, including their advantages and disadvantages and how they compare with alternative processes.

Bulk composition of the Moon in the context of models for condensation in the solar nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goettel, K. A.

1984-01-01

The FeO content of the Moon is substantially higher than the present FeO content of the Earth's mantle. If the Moon formed by fission from the Earth's mantle, then the conclusion that the Earth's mantle must have been much richer in FeO at the time of fission appears firm. If the Moon formed independently in geocentric orbit, then the FeO contents of the two bodies should be similar, because both would be accreting from the same source of silicate material. Therefore, Earth's mantle at the time of lunar formation probably had an FeO content quite similar to the present FeO content of the Moon. This conclusion, if valid, has profound implications in two areas: (1) the differentiation history of the Earth's mantle and core; and (2) the processes responsible for governing the bulk compositions of the terrestrial planets. If Earth had more FeO than previously thought, then the composition differences between Earth and Mars are less than previously believed. This suggests that condensation temperature and heliocentric distance may have been less important in governing planetary compositions and other mechanisms, including iron/silicate fractionation may have been more important. The implication of this model for the compositions of the Moon and the other terrestrial planets are discussed.

Chromite Ore from the Transvaal Region of South Africa

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In 2001, EPA finalized a rule to to delete both chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region of South Africa and the unreacted ore component of the chromite ore processing residue (COPR) from TRI reporting requirements.

26. NORTHERN VIEW OF ORE YARD WITH ORE BRIDGES IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

26. NORTHERN VIEW OF ORE YARD WITH ORE BRIDGES IN THE BACKGROUND. BLAST FURNACES ALONG THE RIGHT SIDE. (Martin Stupich) - U.S. Steel Duquesne Works, Blast Furnace Plant, Along Monongahela River, Duquesne, Allegheny County, PA

A unique ore-placer area of the Amur region with high-Hg gold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikov, A. V.; Stepanov, V. A.; Moiseenko, V. G.

2017-10-01

This work presents the geological structure and a description of the gold-ore occurrences and gold placers of the Un'ya-Bom ore-placer cluster of the Amur gold-bearing province. The host rocks are Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic black shales. Intrusive formations occur rarely. The sublatitudinal Un'ya Thrust is the principal ore-controlling structure. Paleozoic sandstones are thrust over Mesozoic flysch deposits along the Un'ya Thrust. The gold-ore occurrences are represented by quartz-vein zones. The ores are gold-quartz, low-sulfide. Ore minerals are arsenopyrite, scheelite, ferberite, galena, and native gold. High-Hg native gold was revealed in the ore occurrences and placers. The high Hg content in native gold is explained by the presence of the frontal part of the gold-bearing column located within the cluster; the rich placers were formed due to crushing of this column.

Virtual phosphorus ore requirement of Japanese economy.

PubMed

Matsubae, Kazuyo; Kajiyama, Jun; Hiraki, Takehito; Nagasaka, Tetsuya

2011-08-01

Phosphorus is indispensable for agricultural production. Hence, the consumption of imported food indirectly implies the import of phosphorus resources. The global consumption of agricultural products depends on a small number of ore-producing countries. For sustainable management of phosphorus resources, the global supply and demand network should be clarified. In this study, we propose the virtual phosphorus ore requirement as a new indicator of the direct and indirect phosphorus requirements for our society. The virtual phosphorus ore requirement indicates the direct and indirect demands for phosphorus ore transformed into agricultural products and fertilizer. In this study, the virtual phosphorus ore requirement was evaluated for the Japanese economy in 2005. Importantly, the results show that our society requires twice as much phosphorus ore as the domestic demand for fertilizer production. The phosphorus contained in "eaten" agricultural products was only 12% of virtual phosphorus ore requirement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preliminary report on the White Canyon area, San Juan county, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benson, William E.; Trites, Albert F.; Beroni, Ernest P.; Feeger, John A.

1952-01-01

The White Canyon area, in the central part of San Juan County, Utah, consists of approximately two 15-minute quadrangles. Approximately 75 square miles have been mapped by the Geological Survey on a scale of 1 inch equals 1 mile, using a combined aerial photography-plane table method. Structure contours were drawn on top of the Organ Rock member of the Cutler formation. Parts of the Gonway and North Point claims, 1/4 mile east of the Happy Jack mine, were mapped in detail. The principal objectives of the investigations were: (1) to establish ore guides; (2) to select areas favorable for exploration; and (3) to map the general geology and to determine the regional relationships of the uranium deposits. The White Canyon area is comprised of sedimentary rocks of Carboniferous to Jurassic age, more than 2,000 feet thick, having a regional dip of 1° to 2° SW. The nearest igneous rocks are in the Henry Mountains about 7 miles west of the northern part of the area; The Shinarump conglomerate of the late Triassic age, the principal ore horizon in the White Canyon area, consists of lenticular beds of sandstone, conglomeratic sandstone, conglomerate, clay, and siltstone. The Shinarump conglomerate, absent in places, is as much as 75 feet thick. The sandstones locally contain molds of logs and fragments of altered volcanic ash. Some of the logs have been replaced by copper and uranium minerals and iron oxides. The clay and siltstone underlie and are interbedded with the sandstone, and are most common in channels that cut into the underlying Moenkopi formation. The Shinarump conglomerate contains reworked Moenkopi siltstone fragments, clay balls, carbonized wood, and pebbles of quarts, quartzite, and chert. Jointing is prominent in the Western part of the mapped area. The three most prominent joint trends are due east, N. 65°-75° W., and N. 65°-75° E. All joints have vertical dips. The red beds are bleached along some joints, especially those that trend N. 65°-75° W. All uranium ore produced has been from the lower part of the Shinarump conglomerate, where it commonly occurs with copper as disseminations and fracture coatings in sandstone. Uranium and copper minerals also occur in low-grade disseminated deposits in the lower Chinle and in the Moenkopi formation and in veins cutting these formations. Although some uranium deposits occur in Chinarump channels and scours, copper and uranium minerals along fractures suggest that channel control may be secondary. Logs and clay balls apparently have exerted some chemical influences for deposition. The uranium occurs as the oxide in some deposits, and as secondary hydrous sulfates, phosphates, oxides, and silicates in these and several other deposits. Charcoal, iron and manganese oxides, and veinlets of hydrocarbon are abnormally radioactive in most of the deposits. Base-metal sulfides are commonly found inside the oxidized zone. Secondary copper minerals include the hydrous sulfates and carbonate. Gangue minerals include quarts, clay minerals, and manganese oxides, dickite (?), calcite, gypsum, pyrite, and chalcedony (?). Principal wall-rock alteration appears to have been silicification, clay alteration, and bleaching. Most of the shipped ore has contained more than 0.3 percent uranium. The ore also contains copper, commonly in grades lower than 1.0 percent. Criteria believed to be most useful for prospecting for concealed uranium deposits are (1) visible uranium minerals; (2) sulfide minerals; (3) secondary copper minerals; (4) dickite (?); (5) hydrocarbons; and (6) bleaching and alteration of the Moenkopi formation.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elevated Blood Lead in Children in Gold Ore Processing Communities, Zamfara, Nigeria, 2012.

PubMed

Kaufman, John A; Brown, Mary Jean; Umar-Tsafe, Nasir T; Adbullahi, Muhammad Bashir; Getso, Kabiru I; Kaita, Ibrahim M; Sule, Binta Bako; Ba'aba, Ahmed; Davis, Lora; Nguku, Patrick M; Sani-Gwarzo, Nasir

2016-09-01

In March 2010, Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders detected an outbreak of acute lead poisoning in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, linked to low-technology gold ore processing. The outbreak killed more than 400 children ≤5 years of age in the first half of 2010 and has left more than 2,000 children with permanent disabilities. The aims of this study were to estimate the statewide prevalence of children ≤5 years old with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in gold ore processing and non-ore-processing communities, and to identify factors associated with elevated blood lead levels in children. A representative, population-based study of ore processing and non-ore-processing villages was conducted throughout Zamfara in 2012. Blood samples from children, outdoor soil samples, indoor dust samples, and survey data on ore processing activities and other lead sources were collected from 383 children ≤5 years old in 383 family compounds across 56 villages. 17.2% of compounds reported that at least one member had processed ore in the preceding 12 months (95% confidence intervals (CI): 9.7, 24.7). The prevalence of BLLs ≥10 µg/dL in children ≤5 years old was 38.2% (95% CI: 26.5, 51.4) in compounds with members who processed ore and 22.3% (95% CI: 17.8, 27.7) in compounds where no one processed ore. Ore processing activities were associated with higher lead concentrations in soil, dust, and blood samples. Other factors associated with elevated BLL were a child's age and sex, breastfeeding, drinking water from a piped tap, and exposure to eye cosmetics. Childhood lead poisoning is widespread in Zamfara State in both ore processing and non-ore-processing settings, although it is more prevalent in ore processing areas. Although most children's BLLs were below the recommended level for chelation therapy, environmental remediation and use of safer ore processing practices are needed to prevent further exposures. Obtained. The study protocol was approved by the US Centers for Disease Control Institutional Review Board-A and the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Chemical reactivity parameters (HSAB) applied to magma evolution and ore formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vigneresse, Jean-Louis

2012-11-01

Magmas are commonly described through the usual content of 10 major oxides. This requires a complex dimensional plot. Concepts of hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) interactions allow estimating chemical reactivity of elements, such as electronegativity, i.e. the chemical potential changed of sign, hardness and electrophilicity. For complex system, those values result from equalization methods, i.e. the equalization of the respective chemical potentials, or from ab-initio computations through density functional theory (DFT). They help to characterize silicate magmas by a single value describing their reactivity. Principles of minimum electrophilicity (mEP), maximum hardness (MHP) and minimum polarizability (mPP) indicate trends towards regions of higher stability. Those parameters are plotted within a fitness landscape diagram, highlighting toward which principle reactions trend. Major oxides, main minerals and magmas determine the respective fields in which evolve natural rocks. Three poles are identified, represented by silica and alkalis, whereas oxidation forms the third trend. Mantle-derived rocks show a large variation in electrophilicity compared to hardness. They present all characters of a closed chemical system, being simply described by the free Gibbs energy. Conversely, rocks contaminated within the continental crust show a large variation in hardness between a silica pole and an alkaline, defining two separate trends. The trends show the character of an open chemical system, requiring a Grand Potential description (i.e. taking into account the difference in chemical potential). The terms open and closed systems refer to thermodynamical description, implying contamination for the crust and recycling for the mantle. The specific role of alkalis contrasts with other cations, pointing to their behavior in modifying silicate polymer structures. A second application deals with the reactivity of the melt and its fluid phase. It leads to a better understanding on the mechanisms that control sequestration and transport of metals within the different phases during igneous activity. Based on high gas/melt partitioning for metals and similar reactivity, the gaseous phase is more attractive for metals than silicate melts. The presence of halogens in the fluid phase tends to reinforce hardness, making the fluid phase attractive for hard metals such as Sn or W. Conversely, the presence of S decreases hardness of the fluid phase that becomes attractive for soft metals such as Au, Ag and Cu.

Electron Microscopic Analysis of Surface Inorganic Substances on Oral and Combustible Tobacco Products

PubMed Central

Halstead, Mary M.; Watson, Clifford H.; Pappas, R. Steven

2015-01-01

Though quantitative trace toxic metals analyses have been performed on tobacco products, little has been published on inorganic particulate constituents on and inside the products. We analyzed these constituents using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The nature of SEM-EDS instrumentation makes it an ideal choice for inorganic particulate analyses and yields relevant information to potential exposures during consumption of oral tobacco products, and possibly as a consequence of smoking. Aluminum silicates, silica, and calcium compounds were common inorganic particulate constituents of tobacco products. Aluminum silicates and silica from soil were found on external leaf surfaces. Phytolithic silica, found in the lumen of the plant leaf, is of biogenic origin. Calcium oxalate was also apparently of biogenic origin. Small mineral deposits on tobacco could have health implications. Minerals found on the surfaces of smokeless tobacco products could possibly abrade the oral mucosa and contribute to the oral inflammatory responses observed with smokeless tobacco product use. If micron and sub-micron size calcium particles on cigarette filler were transported in mainstream smoke, they could potentially induce a pulmonary irritant inflammation when inhaled. The transport of aluminum silicate and silica in smoke could potentially also contribute to chronic inflammatory disease. PMID:26286581

Rare-earth element fractionation in uranium ore and its U(VI) alteration minerals

DOE PAGES

Balboni, Enrica; Spano, T; Cook, N; ...

2017-10-20

We developed a cation exchange chromatography method employing sulfonated polysterene cation resin (DOWEX AG50-X8) in order to separate rare-earth elements (REEs) from uranium-rich materials. The chemical separation scheme is designed to reduce matrix effects and consequently yield enhanced ionization efficiencies for concentration determinations of REEs without significant fractionation using solution mode-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. This method was then applied to determine REE abundances in four uraninite (ideally UO 2) samples and their associated U(VI) alteration minerals. In three of the samples analyzed, the concentration of REEs for primary uraninite are higher than those for their corresponding secondarymore » uranium alteration phases. The results for U(VI) alteration minerals of two samples indicate enrichment of the light REEs (LREEs) over the heavy REEs (HREEs). This differential mobilization is attributed to differences in the mineralogical composition of the U(VI) alteration. There is a lack of fractionation of the LREEs in the uraninite alteration rind that is composed of U(VI) minerals containing Ca 2+ as the interlayer cation (uranophane and bequerelite); contrarily, U(VI) alteration minerals containing K + and Pb 2+ as interlayer cations (fourmarierite, dumontite) indicate fractionation (enrichment) of the LREEs. Our results have implications for nuclear forensic analyses since a comparison is reported between the REE abundances for the CUP-2 (processed uranium ore) certified reference material and previously determined values for uranium ore concentrate (UOC) produced from the same U deposit (Blind River/Elliott Lake, Canada). UOCs represent the most common form of interdicted nuclear material and consequently is material frequently targeted for forensic analysis. The comparison reveals similar chondrite normalized REE signatures but variable absolute abundances. Based on the results reported here, the latter may be attributed to the differing REE abundances between primary ore and associated alteration phases, and/or is related to varying fabrication processes adopted during production of UOC.« less

Petrography and geochemistry of the primary ore zone of the Kenticha rare metal granite-pegmatite field, Adola Belt, Southern Ethiopia: Implications for ore genesis and tectonic setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammedyasin, Mohammed Seid; Desta, Zerihun; Getaneh, Worash

2017-10-01

The aim of this work is to evaluate the genesis and tectonic setting of the Kenticha rare metal granite-pegmatite deposit using petrography and whole-rock geochemical analysis. The samples were analysed for major elements, and trace and rare earth elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, respectively. The Kenticha rare metal granite-pegmatite deposit is controlled by the N-S deep-seated normal fault that allow the emplacement of the granite-pegmatite in the study area. Six main mineral assemblages have been identified: (a) alaskitic granite (quartz + microcline + albite with subordinate muscovite), (b) aplitic layer (quartz + albite), (c) muscovite-quartz-microcline-albite pegmatite, (d) spodumene-microcline-albite pegmatite, partly albitized or greisenized, (e) microcline-albite-green and pink spodumene pegmatite with quartz-microcline block, which is partly albitized and greisenized, and (f) quartz core. This mineralogical zonation is also accompanied by variation in Ta ore concentration and trace and rare earth elements content. The Kenticha granite-pegmatite is strongly differentiated with high SiO2 (72-84 wt %) and enriched with Rb (∼689 ppm), Be (∼196 ppm), Nb (∼129 ppm), Ta (∼92 ppm) and Cs (∼150 ppm) and depleted in Ba and Sr. The rare earth element (REE) patterns of the primary ore zone (below 60 m depth) shows moderate enrichment in light REE ((La/Yb)N = ∼8, and LREE/HREE = ∼9.96) and negative Eu-anomaly (Eu/Eu* = ∼0.4). The whole-rock geochemical data display the Within Plate Granite (WPG) and syn-Collisional Granite (syn-COLG) suites and interpret as its formation is crustal related melting. The mineralogical assemblage, tectonic setting and geochemical signatures implies that the Kenticha rare metal bearing granite pegmatite is formed by partial melting of metasedimentary rocks during post-Gondwana assembly and further tantalite enrichment through later hydrothermal-metasomatic processes.

Rare-earth element fractionation in uranium ore and its U(VI) alteration minerals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balboni, Enrica; Spano, T; Cook, N

We developed a cation exchange chromatography method employing sulfonated polysterene cation resin (DOWEX AG50-X8) in order to separate rare-earth elements (REEs) from uranium-rich materials. The chemical separation scheme is designed to reduce matrix effects and consequently yield enhanced ionization efficiencies for concentration determinations of REEs without significant fractionation using solution mode-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. This method was then applied to determine REE abundances in four uraninite (ideally UO 2) samples and their associated U(VI) alteration minerals. In three of the samples analyzed, the concentration of REEs for primary uraninite are higher than those for their corresponding secondarymore » uranium alteration phases. The results for U(VI) alteration minerals of two samples indicate enrichment of the light REEs (LREEs) over the heavy REEs (HREEs). This differential mobilization is attributed to differences in the mineralogical composition of the U(VI) alteration. There is a lack of fractionation of the LREEs in the uraninite alteration rind that is composed of U(VI) minerals containing Ca 2+ as the interlayer cation (uranophane and bequerelite); contrarily, U(VI) alteration minerals containing K + and Pb 2+ as interlayer cations (fourmarierite, dumontite) indicate fractionation (enrichment) of the LREEs. Our results have implications for nuclear forensic analyses since a comparison is reported between the REE abundances for the CUP-2 (processed uranium ore) certified reference material and previously determined values for uranium ore concentrate (UOC) produced from the same U deposit (Blind River/Elliott Lake, Canada). UOCs represent the most common form of interdicted nuclear material and consequently is material frequently targeted for forensic analysis. The comparison reveals similar chondrite normalized REE signatures but variable absolute abundances. Based on the results reported here, the latter may be attributed to the differing REE abundances between primary ore and associated alteration phases, and/or is related to varying fabrication processes adopted during production of UOC.« less

Face format at encoding affects the other-race effect in face memory.

PubMed

Zhao, Mintao; Hayward, William G; Bülthoff, Isabelle

2014-08-07

Memory of own-race faces is generally better than memory of other-races faces. This other-race effect (ORE) in face memory has been attributed to differences in contact, holistic processing, and motivation to individuate faces. Since most studies demonstrate the ORE with participants learning and recognizing static, single-view faces, it remains unclear whether the ORE can be generalized to different face learning conditions. Using an old/new recognition task, we tested whether face format at encoding modulates the ORE. The results showed a significant ORE when participants learned static, single-view faces (Experiment 1). In contrast, the ORE disappeared when participants learned rigidly moving faces (Experiment 2). Moreover, learning faces displayed from four discrete views produced the same results as learning rigidly moving faces (Experiment 3). Contact with other-race faces was correlated with the magnitude of the ORE. Nonetheless, the absence of the ORE in Experiments 2 and 3 cannot be readily explained by either more frequent contact with other-race faces or stronger motivation to individuate them. These results demonstrate that the ORE is sensitive to face format at encoding, supporting the hypothesis that relative involvement of holistic and featural processing at encoding mediates the ORE observed in face memory. © 2014 ARVO.

FY2017 status report: Model 9975 O-ring fixture long-term leak performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daugherty, W. L.

A series of experiments to monitor the aging performance of Viton® GLT and GLT-S O-rings used in the Model 9975 shipping package has been ongoing since 2004 at the Savannah River National Laboratory. One approach has been to periodically evaluate the leak performance of O-rings being aged in mock-up 9975 Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs) at elevated temperature. Other methods such as compression-stress relaxation (CSR) tests and field surveillance are also on-going to evaluate O-ring behavior. Seventy tests using PCV mock-ups with GLT O-rings were assembled and heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 450 ºF. They were leak-tested initially andmore » have been tested periodically to determine if they continue to meet the leak-tightness criterion defined in ANSI standard N14.5-97. Due to material substitution, a smaller test matrix with fourteen additional tests was initiated in 2008 with GLT-S O-rings heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 400 ºF. Leak test failures have been experienced in all of the GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 350 ºF and higher temperatures, and in 8 fixtures aging at 300 ºF. The 300 °F GLT O-ring fixtures failed after 2.8 to 5.7 years at temperature. The remaining GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 300 ºF were retired from testing following more than 5 years at temperature without failure. No failures have yet been observed in GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 200 ºF for 9 to 10.5 years, or in GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 270 ºF for 5.7 years. These aging temperatures bound O-ring temperatures anticipated during normal storage in K-Area Complex (KAC). Leak test failures have been experienced in all of the GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 300 ºF and above. No failures have yet been observed in GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 200 and 250 ºF for 6.9 to 7.5 years. Data from the O-ring fixtures are generally consistent with results from compression stress relaxation testing, and provide confidence in the predictive models based on those results. However, uncertainty still exists in extrapolating these elevated temperature results to the lower temperatures of interest for normal storage in KAC. Measurement of compression set in O-rings removed from failed fixtures, compared to that from KAC surveillance O-rings, indicates margin remains for O-rings still in service. Aging and periodic leak testing will continue for the remaining PCV fixtures.« less

Occurrence of silver minerals in a silver-rich pocket in the massive sulfide zinc-lead ores in the Edwards mine, New York

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Serviss, C.R.; Grout, C.M.; Hagni, R.D.

1985-01-01

Ore microscopic examination of uncommon silver-rich ores from the Edwards mine has detected three silver minerals, native silver, freibergite, and argentite, that were previously unreported in the literature from the Balmat-Edwards district. The zinc-lead ore deposits of the Balmat-Edwards District in northern New York are composed of very coarse-grained massive sulfides, principally sphalerite, galena, and pyrite. The typical ores contain small amounts of silver in solid solution galena. Galena concentrates produced from those ores have contained an average of 15 ounces of silver per ton of 60% lead concentrates. In contrast to the typical ore a silver-rich pocket, that measuredmore » three feet by three feet on the vertical mine face and was the subject of this study, contained nearly 1% silver in a zinc ore. Ore microscopic study shows that this ore is especially characterized by abundant, relatively fine-grained chalcopyrite with anhedral pyrite inclusions. Fine-grained sphalerite, native silver, argentite, freibergite and arsenopyrite occur in association with the chalcopyrite and as fracture-fillings in gangue minerals. Geochemically anomalous amounts of tin, barium, chromium, and nickel also are present in the silver-rich pocket. The silver-rich pocket may mark the locus of an early feeder vent or alternatively it may record a hydrothermal event that was superimposed upon the event responsible for the metamorphic ore textures.« less

29. ORE DOCK, LOOKING WEST; AT WORK UNLOADING THE 'GEORGE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

29. ORE DOCK, LOOKING WEST; AT WORK UNLOADING THE 'GEORGE M. HUMPHREY'S' CARGO OF 25,000. TONS OF ORE. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

Application of indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from municipal wastewater to selectively bioleach phosphorus from high-phosphorus iron ore: effect of particle size.

PubMed

Shen, Shaobo; Rao, Ruirui; Wang, Jincao

2013-01-01

The effects of ore particle size on selectively bioleaching phosphorus (P) from high-phosphorus iron ore were studied. The average contents of P and Fe in the iron ore were 1.06 and 47.90% (w/w), respectively. The particle sizes of the ores used ranged from 58 to 3350 microm. It was found that the indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from municipal wastewater could grow well in the slurries of solid high-phosphorus iron ore and municipal wastewater. The minimum bioleaching pH reached for the current work was 0.33. The P content in bioleached iron ore reduced slightly with decreasing particle size, while the removal percentage of Fe decreased appreciably with decreasing particle size. The optimal particle size fraction was 58-75 microm, because the P content in bioleached iron ore reached a minimum of 0.16% (w/w), the removal percentage of P attained a maximum of 86.7%, while the removal percentage of Fe dropped to a minimum of 1.3% and the Fe content in bioleached iron ore was a maximum of 56.4% (w/w) in this case. The iron ores thus obtained were suitable to be used in the iron-making process. The removal percentage of ore solid decreased with decreasing particle size at particle size range of 106-3350 microm. The possible reasons resulting in above phenomena were explored in the current work. It was inferred that the particle sizes of the iron ore used in this work have no significant effect on the viability of the sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.

Sedimentary exhalative nickel-molybdenum ores in south China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lott, D.A.; Coveney, R.M.; Murowchick, J.B.; Grauch, R.I.

1999-01-01

Unique bedded Ni-Mo ores hosted by black shales were discovered in localized paleobasins along the Yangzte platform of southern China in 1971. Textural evidence and radiometric dates imply ore formation during sedimentation of black shales that grade into readily combustible beds, termed stone coals, which contain 10 to 15 percent organic carbon. Studies of 427 fluid inclusions indicate extreme variation in hydrothermal brine salinities that were contained by Proterozoic dolostones underlying the ore zone in Hunan and Guizhou. Variations of fluid inclusion salinities, which range from 0.1 to 21.6 wt percent NaCl equiv, are attributed to differences in the compositions of brines in strata underlying the ore bed, complicated by the presence of seawater and dilute fluids that represent condensates of vapors generated by boiling of mineralizing fluids or Cambrian meteoric water. The complex processes of ore deposition led to scattered homogenization temperatures ranging from 100??to 187??C within the Hunan ore zone and from 65??to 183??C within the Guizhou ore zone. While living organisms probably did not directly accumulate metals in situ in sufficient amounts to explain the unusually high grades of the deposits, sulfur isotope ratios indicate that bacteria, now preserved as abundant microfossils, provided sufficient sulfide for the ores by reduction of seawater sulfate. Such microbiota may have depended on vent fluids and transported organic matter for key nutrients and are consistent with a sedex origin for the ores. Vent fluids interacted with organic remains, including rounded fragments of microbial mats that were likely transported to the site of ore deposition by the action of waves and bottom currents prior to replacement by ore minerals.

Multi-Criteria selection of technology for processing ore raw materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorbatova, E. A.; Emelianenko, E. A.; Zaretckii, M. V.

2017-10-01

The development of Computer-Aided Process Planning (CAPP) for the Ore Beneficiation process is considered. The set of parameters to define the quality of the Ore Beneficiation process is identified. The ontological model of CAPP for the Ore Beneficiation process is described. The hybrid choice method of the most appropriate variant of the Ore Beneficiation process based on the Logical Conclusion Rules and the Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach is proposed.

Process for recovering hydrocarbons from a diatomite-type ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, B.W.

1983-02-15

A process for recovering hydrocarbons from a diatomite-type ore which comprises contacting the diatomite ore with a C/sub 4/-C/sub 10/ alcohol and thereafter contacting the diatomite ore-alcohol mixture with an aqueous alkaline solution to separate a hydrocarbon-alcohol phase and an alkaline aqueous phase containing the stripped diatomite ore. Thereafter, the alcohol is distilled off from the hydrocarbon phase and recycled back into the initial process.

6. Looking west showing top of dock: steaming frozen ore ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. Looking west showing top of dock: steaming frozen ore which had been put in pockets in December 1959, May 6, 1990. Photographer: unknown - Marquette Ore Dock No. 6, Ore Dock, On pilings in Marquette City Lower Harbor, Marquette, Marquette County, MI

Explosion-assisted preparation of dispersed gold-bearing different-grade ore for selective mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trubachev, AI; Zykov, NV

2017-02-01

It is found that there are transient zones (between quality and off-quality ore areas) with the respective content of useful component in an ore body, and a variant of explosive treatment of such zones before the selective mining is put forward. Practicability of two processing technologies is evaluated: processing of high-grade and low-grade ore from the transient zones and heap leaching of metals from the low-grade and impoverished ore. Open mining technology is conventional truck-and-shovel scheme, with distributed ore flows to processing plant and (or) to heap leaching, which generally enhances the mine efficiency.

Rational design of bottom blocks for development of ore deposits systems with caving of ore and enclosing rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Versilov, S. O.; Posylniy, Yu V.; Shurygin, D. N.; Tretyak, A. Ya

2017-10-01

The assessment of the geological conditions of development of existing ore deposits was made. For testing ore deposits in difficult mining and geological conditions, the authors proposed the system of development, accompanied by collapse of the mechanical ore with the use of feeders of active action that could be manufactured directly in the mine in accordance with the specific conditions of occurrence of minerals. The paper demonstrates the technology of manufacture of load-bearing structures of the feeder directly in the mine at the scene of the breaking of the first layer of ore, as well as the dynamics of the ore and the choice of parameters of concrete feeders. A new design of the bottom block was proposed, the idea of technical solution of which consists in the fact that it is offered to undergo the production of the smallest possible cross section, which is determined only by the dimensions of the conveyors to deliver ore. And before the explosion of fans of production wells, it is necessary to produce local collapse of the roof production to increase its height at the place of production of ore by blasting wellheads in two or three rows.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elevated Blood Lead in Children in Gold Ore Processing Communities, Zamfara, Nigeria, 2012

PubMed Central

Kaufman, John A.; Brown, Mary Jean; Umar-Tsafe, Nasir T.; Adbullahi, Muhammad Bashir; Getso, Kabiru I.; Kaita, Ibrahim M.; Sule, Binta Bako; Ba’aba, Ahmed; Davis, Lora; Nguku, Patrick M.; Sani-Gwarzo, Nasir

2018-01-01

Background In March 2010, Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders detected an outbreak of acute lead poisoning in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, linked to low-technology gold ore processing. The outbreak killed more than 400 children ≤5 years of age in the first half of 2010 and has left more than 2,000 children with permanent disabilities. Objectives The aims of this study were to estimate the statewide prevalence of children ≤5 years old with elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in gold ore processing and non-ore-processing communities, and to identify factors associated with elevated blood lead levels in children. Methods A representative, population-based study of ore processing and non-ore-processing villages was conducted throughout Zamfara in 2012. Blood samples from children, outdoor soil samples, indoor dust samples, and survey data on ore processing activities and other lead sources were collected from 383 children ≤5 years old in 383 family compounds across 56 villages. Results 17.2% of compounds reported that at least one member had processed ore in the preceding 12 months (95% confidence intervals (CI): 9.7, 24.7). The prevalence of BLLs ≥10 µg/dL in children ≤5 years old was 38.2% (95% CI: 26.5, 51.4) in compounds with members who processed ore and 22.3% (95% CI: 17.8, 27.7) in compounds where no one processed ore. Ore processing activities were associated with higher lead concentrations in soil, dust, and blood samples. Other factors associated with elevated BLL were a child’s age and sex, breastfeeding, drinking water from a piped tap, and exposure to eye cosmetics. Conclusions Childhood lead poisoning is widespread in Zamfara State in both ore processing and non-ore-processing settings, although it is more prevalent in ore processing areas. Although most children’s BLLs were below the recommended level for chelation therapy, environmental remediation and use of safer ore processing practices are needed to prevent further exposures. Patient consent Obtained Ethics approval The study protocol was approved by the US Centers for Disease Control Institutional Review Board-A and the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria. Competing Interests The authors declare no competing financial interests. PMID:29416933

Geology and ore fluid geochemistry of the Jinduicheng porphyry molybdenum deposit, East Qinling, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongying; Ye, Huishou; Wang, Xiaoxia; Yang, Lei; Wang, Xiuyuan

2014-01-01

Jinduicheng deposit is a giant Mesozoic porphyry Mo system deposit in the East Qinling molybdenum belt, Shaanxi Province, China. The mineralization is associated with the I-type Jinduicheng granite porphyry. Both the porphyry stock and country rocks underwent intense hydrothermal alteration. The alteration, with increasing distance from the parent intrusion, changes from silicification, through potassic and phyllic assemblages, carbonation, to propylitic assemblages. Molybdenite, the dominant ore mineral, occurs in veinlets, most of which are hosted by the altered country rocks, with less than 25% of the ore in the porphyry body. The hydrothermal system comprises four stages, including pre-ore quartz and K-feldspar; two ore stages of quartz, K-feldspar, molybdenite, and Pb- And Zn-bearing sulfides; and post-ore quartz and carbonate. Six main types of primary fluid inclusions are present in hydrothermal quartz, including two-phase aqueous, one-phase aqueous, three-phase CO2-bearing, CO2-dominated fluid inclusions, gas inclusions, and melt inclusions. The homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions range from 210 to 290 °C in the pre-ore stage, 150-310 °C in ore stage I, 150-360 °C in the ore stage II, and 195-325 °C in the post-ore stage quartz. Estimated salinities of the ore-forming fluids range from 6.9 to 13.5, 4.3 to 12.3, 6.2 to 12.4, and 3.4 to 9.9 wt.% NaCl equiv. in stages 1-4, respectively. The δ34S values of pyrite in the two ore stages range from 2.8‰ to 4.3‰, whereas the δ34S values of molybdenite range from 2.9‰ to 6.2‰. The data suggest both magmatic and crustal sources of sulfur. The δD and δ18O values for the hydrothermal fluids are -57.2‰ to -84.4‰ and 8.0‰ to -3.2‰, respectively. The fluid inclusion and stable data indicate that the pre-ore hydrothermal fluids were mostly of magmatic origin, but the fluids responsible for ore deposition were mixed magmatic and meteoric, and eventually meteoric water dominated the system in the post-ore stage.

40 CFR 440.80 - Applicability; description of the vanadium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... vanadium ore subcategory. 440.80 Section 440.80 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Vanadium Ore Subcategory (Mined Alone and Not as a Byproduct) § 440.80 Applicability; description of the...

28 CFR 79.62 - Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... ore transporters. 79.62 Section 79.62 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) CLAIMS UNDER THE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT Eligibility Criteria for Claims by Ore Transporters § 79.62 Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters. To establish eligibility for compensation...

28 CFR 79.62 - Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... ore transporters. 79.62 Section 79.62 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) CLAIMS UNDER THE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT Eligibility Criteria for Claims by Ore Transporters § 79.62 Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters. To establish eligibility for compensation...

40 CFR 440.80 - Applicability; description of the vanadium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... vanadium ore subcategory. 440.80 Section 440.80 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Vanadium Ore Subcategory (Mined Alone and Not as a Byproduct) § 440.80 Applicability; description of the...

28 CFR 79.62 - Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... ore transporters. 79.62 Section 79.62 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) CLAIMS UNDER THE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT Eligibility Criteria for Claims by Ore Transporters § 79.62 Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters. To establish eligibility for compensation...

40 CFR 440.80 - Applicability; description of the vanadium ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... vanadium ore subcategory. 440.80 Section 440.80 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Vanadium Ore Subcategory (Mined Alone and Not as a Byproduct) § 440.80 Applicability; description of the...

28 CFR 79.62 - Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... ore transporters. 79.62 Section 79.62 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) CLAIMS UNDER THE RADIATION EXPOSURE COMPENSATION ACT Eligibility Criteria for Claims by Ore Transporters § 79.62 Criteria for eligibility for claims by ore transporters. To establish eligibility for compensation...

The mineralogy of ordinary chondrites and implications for asteroid spectrophotometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcsween, Harry Y., Jr.; Bennett, Marvin E., III; Jarosewich, Eugene

1991-01-01

Published data from bulk chemical analyses of 94 ordinary chondrites are compiled in a table of normative mineralogy and discussed in detail. Significant variations in olivine, pyroxene, and metal abundance ratios are found within each chondrite class and attributed to redox processes superimposed on initial differences in metal/silicate ratios. The use of the diagrams constructed here to predict the mineralogic characteristics of asteroids on the basis of spectrophotometric observations is suggested.

Translations on Eastern Europe, Scientific Affairs, Number 543

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-04-29

They are economically more effective than those now used, for one gram of glass can replace ten kilograms of copper wire. For several years such a...and 62 times for nonferrous ores, the greatest increase being recorded for copper bearing ores. 1. Iron Ores Overall, the iron ore deposits which...percent S. 30 Intensive research and design work is being conducted to exploit two deposits of poor copper ore (0.25-D.35 percent Cu), a deposit of

32. INTERIOR VIEW LOOKING NORTH ON THE ORE BREAKER LEVEL. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. INTERIOR VIEW LOOKING NORTH ON THE ORE BREAKER LEVEL. THE ORE BREAKER, A BLAKE JAW CRUSHER, IS IN THE BOX IN THE LEFT OF THE PHOTOGRAPH, THE ORE TO BE BROKEN IS FED INTO THE OPENING ON THE FLOOR AND NEXT TO ORE BREAKER BOX. THE GRIZZLY BARS ARE ON THE RIGHT AND THE PULLEYS FROM THE POWER SYSTEM ARE OVERHEAD. - Standard Gold Mill, East of Bodie Creek, Northeast of Bodie, Bodie, Mono County, CA

Acid pre-treatment method for in situ ore leaching

DOEpatents

Mallon, R.G.; Braun, R.L.

1975-10-28

An acid leaching method is described for the recovery of a desired element from a subterranean rubblized body of primary ore containing the element and also having associated therewith a carbonate mineral wherein the rubblized ore body is flooded with an aqueous acidic solution in order to release carbon dioxide from the associated carbonate mineral. After a substantial portion of the available carbon dioxide is released and removed from the ore body, as by venting to the atmosphere, an oxidizing gas is introduced into the flooded, rubblized ore to oxidize the ore and form an acid leach solution effective in the presence of the dissolved oxidizing gas to dissolve the ore and cause the desired element to go into solution. The leach solution is then circulated to the surface where the metal values are recovered therefrom.

40 CFR 63.11640 - Am I subject to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production Area... subject to this subpart if you own or operate a gold mine ore processing and production facility as... source. The affected sources are each collection of “ore pretreatment processes” at a gold mine ore...

40 CFR 63.11640 - Am I subject to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production Area... subject to this subpart if you own or operate a gold mine ore processing and production facility as... source. The affected sources are each collection of “ore pretreatment processes” at a gold mine ore...

40 CFR 63.11640 - Am I subject to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production Area... subject to this subpart if you own or operate a gold mine ore processing and production facility as... source. The affected sources are each collection of “ore pretreatment processes” at a gold mine ore...

40 CFR 63.11640 - Am I subject to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Gold Mine Ore Processing and Production Area... subject to this subpart if you own or operate a gold mine ore processing and production facility as... source. The affected sources are each collection of “ore pretreatment processes” at a gold mine ore...

40 CFR 440.30 - Applicability; description of the uranium, radium and vanadium ores subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... uranium, radium and vanadium ores subcategory. 440.30 Section 440.30 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Uranium, Radium and Vanadium Ores Subcategory § 440.30 Applicability; description of the...

40 CFR 63.9582 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing... applies to each new and existing affected source at your taconite iron ore processing plant. (b) The affected sources are each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating...

40 CFR 63.9582 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing... applies to each new and existing affected source at your taconite iron ore processing plant. (b) The affected sources are each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating...

40 CFR 63.9582 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing... applies to each new and existing affected source at your taconite iron ore processing plant. (b) The affected sources are each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating...

40 CFR 63.9582 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing... applies to each new and existing affected source at your taconite iron ore processing plant. (b) The affected sources are each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating...

17. ORE DOCK, LOOKING EAST FROM HULETT NO. 1. WHEN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

17. ORE DOCK, LOOKING EAST FROM HULETT NO. 1. WHEN BUILT IN 1911-1912, THIS WAS THE LARGEST ORE-UNLOADING DOCK ON THE GREAT LAKES. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

40 CFR 63.9582 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... CATEGORIES (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Taconite Iron Ore Processing... applies to each new and existing affected source at your taconite iron ore processing plant. (b) The affected sources are each new or existing ore crushing and handling operation, ore dryer, indurating...

40 CFR 440.30 - Applicability; description of the uranium, radium and vanadium ores subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... uranium, radium and vanadium ores subcategory. 440.30 Section 440.30 Protection of Environment... SOURCE CATEGORY Uranium, Radium and Vanadium Ores Subcategory § 440.30 Applicability; description of the uranium, radium and vanadium ores subcategory. The provisions of this subpart C are applicable to...

Ultrasonic Sound Velocity of Diopside Liquid Under High Pressure and High Temperature Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, M.; Jing, Z.; Chantel, J.; Yu, T.; Wang, Y.; Jiang, P.

2017-12-01

The equation of state (EOS) of silicate liquids is of great significance to the understanding of the dynamics and differentiation of the magmatic systems in Earth and other terrestrial planets. Sound velocity of silicate liquids measured at high pressure can provide direct information on the bulk modulus and its pressure derivative and hence tightly constrain the EOS of silicate liquids. In addition, the sound velocity data can be directly compared to seismic observations to infer the presence of melts in the mantle. While the sound velocity for silicate liquids at ambient pressure has been well established, the high-pressure sound velocity data are still lacking due to experimental challenges. In this study, we successfully determined the sound velocities of diopside (CaMgSi2O6) liquid in a multi-anvil apparatus under high pressure-high temperature conditions from 1 to 4 GPa and 1973 to 2473 K by the ultrasonic interferometry in conjunction with synchrotron X-ray techniques. Diopside was chosen to study because it is not only one of the most important phases in the Earth's upper mantle, but also an end-member composition of model basalt. It is thus an ideal simplified melt composition in the upper mantle. Besides, diopside liquid has been studied by ambient-pressure ultrasonic measurements (e.g., Ai and Lange, 2008) and shock-wave experiments at much higher pressure (e.g., Asimow and Ahrens, 2010), which allows comparison with our results over a large pressure range. Our high-pressure results on the sound velocity of Di liquid are consistent with the ambient-pressure data and show an increase of velocity with pressure (from 3039 m/s at 0.1 GPa to 4215 m/s at 3.5 GPa). Fitting to the Murnaghan EOS gives an isentropic bulk modulus (Ks) of 24.8 GPa and its pressure dependence (K'S) of 7.8. These are consistent with the results from shock-wave experiments on Di liquid (Asimow and Ahrens, 2010), indicating that the technique used in this study is capable to accurately determine the sound velocity of silicate liquids at high pressures. We will use these results to better constrain the hard sphere EOS model for silicate liquids (Jing and Karato, 2011), with implications to the stability of melt layers in the deep mantle under gravity and the presence of partial melts in low velocity zones in the mantle.

Mid-infrared interferometric variability of DG Tauri: Implications for the inner-disk structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varga, J.; Gabányi, K. É.; Ábrahám, P.; Chen, L.; Kóspál, Á.; Menu, J.; Ratzka, Th.; van Boekel, R.; Dullemond, C. P.; Henning, Th.; Jaffe, W.; Juhász, A.; Moór, A.; Mosoni, L.; Sipos, N.

2017-08-01

Context. DG Tau is a low-mass pre-main sequence star, whose strongly accreting protoplanetary disk exhibits a so-far enigmatic behavior: its mid-infrared thermal emission is strongly time-variable, even turning the 10 μm silicate feature from emission to absorption temporarily. Aims: We look for the reason for the spectral variability at high spatial resolution and at multiple epochs. Methods: Infrared interferometry can spatially resolve the thermal emission of the circumstellar disk, also giving information about dust processing. We study the temporal variability of the mid-infrared interferometric signal, observed with the VLTI/MIDI instrument at six epochs between 2011 and 2014. We fit a geometric disk model to the observed interferometric signal to obtain spatial information about the disk. We also model the mid-infrared spectra by template fitting to characterize the profile and time dependence of the silicate emission. We use physically motivated radiative transfer modeling to interpret the mid-infrared interferometric spectra. Results: The inner disk (r < 1-3 au) spectra exhibit a 10 μm absorption feature related to amorphous silicate grains. The outer disk (r > 1-3 au) spectra show a crystalline silicate feature in emission, similar to the spectra of comet Hale-Bopp. The striking difference between the inner and outer disk spectral feature is highly unusual among T Tauri stars. The mid-infrared variability is dominated by the outer disk. The strength of the silicate feature changed by more than a factor of two. Between 2011 and 2014 the half-light radius of the mid-infrared-emitting region decreased from 1.15 to 0.7 au. Conclusions: For the origin of the absorption we discuss four possible explanations: a cold obscuring envelope, an accretion heated inner disk, a temperature inversion on the disk surface and a misaligned inner geometry. The silicate emission in the outer disk can be explained by dusty material high above the disk plane, whose mass can change with time, possibly due to turbulence in the disk. Based on observations made with the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer at Paranal Observatory (Chile) under the programs 088.C-1007 (PI: L. Mosoni), 090.C-0040 (PI: Th. Ratzka), and 092.C-0086 (PI: Th. Ratzka).

Magma mixing and the generation of isotopically juvenile silicic magma at Yellowstone caldera inferred from coupling 238U–230Th ages with trace elements and Hf and O isotopes in zircon and Pb isotopes in sanidine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stelten, Mark E.; Cooper, Kari M.; Vazquez, Jorge A.; Reid, Mary R.; Barfod, Gry H.; Wimpenny, Josh; Yin, Qing-Zhu

2013-01-01

The nature of compositional heterogeneity within large silicic magma bodies has important implications for how silicic reservoirs are assembled and evolve through time. We examine compositional heterogeneity in the youngest (~170 to 70 ka) post-caldera volcanism at Yellowstone caldera, the Central Plateau Member (CPM) rhyolites, as a case study. We compare 238U–230Th age, trace-element, and Hf isotopic data from zircons, and major-element, Ba, and Pb isotopic data from sanidines hosted in two CPM rhyolites (Hayden Valley and Solfatara Plateau flows) and one extracaldera rhyolite (Gibbon River flow), all of which erupted near the caldera margin ca. 100 ka. The Hayden Valley flow hosts two zircon populations and one sanidine population that are consistent with residence in the CPM reservoir. The Gibbon River flow hosts one zircon population that is compositionally distinct from Hayden Valley flow zircons. The Solfatara Plateau flow contains multiple sanidine populations and all three zircon populations found in the Hayden Valley and Gibbon River flows, demonstrating that the Solfatara Plateau flow formed by mixing extracaldera magma with the margin of the CPM reservoir. This process highlights the dynamic nature of magmatic interactions at the margins of large silicic reservoirs. More generally, Hf isotopic data from the CPM zircons provide the first direct evidence for isotopically juvenile magmas contributing mass to the youngest post-caldera magmatic system and demonstrate that the sources contributing magma to the CPM reservoir were heterogeneous in 176Hf/177Hf at ca. 100 ka. Thus, the limited compositional variability of CPM glasses reflects homogenization occurring within the CPM reservoir, not a homogeneous source.

SILICATES ON IAPETUS FROM CASSINI’S COMPOSITE INFRARED SPECTROMETER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young, Cindy L.; Wray, James J.; Clark, Roger N.

We present the first spectral features obtained from Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) for any icy moon. The spectral region covered by CIRS focal planes (FP) 3 and 4 is rich in emissivity features, but previous studies at these wavelengths have been limited by low signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) for individual spectra. Our approach is to average CIRS FP3 spectra to increase the S/N and use emissivity spectra to constrain the composition of the dark material on Iapetus. We find an emissivity feature at ∼855 cm{sup −1} and a possible doublet at 660 and 690 cm{sup −1} that do not correspondmore » to any known instrument artifacts. We attribute the 855 cm{sup −1} feature to fine-grained silicates, similar to those found in dust on Mars and in meteorites, which are nearly featureless at shorter wavelengths. Silicates on the dark terrains of Saturn’s icy moons have been suspected for decades, but there have been no definitive detections until now. Serpentines reported in the literature at ambient temperature and pressure have features near 855 and 660 cm{sup −1}. However, peaks can shift depending on temperature and pressure, so measurements at Iapetus-like conditions are necessary for more positive feature identifications. As a first investigation, we measured muscovite at 125 K in a vacuum and found that this spectrum does match the emissivity feature near 855 cm{sup −1} and the location of the doublet. Further measurements are needed to robustly identify a specific silicate, which would provide clues regarding the origin and implications of the dark material.« less

Decadal to monthly timescales of magma transfer and reservoir growth at a caldera volcano.

PubMed

Druitt, T H; Costa, F; Deloule, E; Dungan, M; Scaillet, B

2012-02-01

Caldera-forming volcanic eruptions are low-frequency, high-impact events capable of discharging tens to thousands of cubic kilometres of magma explosively on timescales of hours to days, with devastating effects on local and global scales. Because no such eruption has been monitored during its long build-up phase, the precursor phenomena are not well understood. Geophysical signals obtained during recent episodes of unrest at calderas such as Yellowstone, USA, and Campi Flegrei, Italy, are difficult to interpret, and the conditions necessary for large eruptions are poorly constrained. Here we present a study of pre-eruptive magmatic processes and their timescales using chemically zoned crystals from the 'Minoan' caldera-forming eruption of Santorini volcano, Greece, which occurred in the late 1600s BC. The results provide insights into how rapidly large silicic systems may pass from a quiescent state to one on the edge of eruption. Despite the large volume of erupted magma (40-60 cubic kilometres), and the 18,000-year gestation period between the Minoan eruption and the previous major eruption, most crystals in the Minoan magma record processes that occurred less than about 100 years before the eruption. Recharge of the magma reservoir by large volumes of silicic magma (and some mafic magma) occurred during the century before eruption, and mixing between different silicic magma batches was still taking place during the final months. Final assembly of large silicic magma reservoirs may occur on timescales that are geologically very short by comparison with the preceding repose period, with major growth phases immediately before eruption. These observations have implications for the monitoring of long-dormant, but potentially active, caldera systems.

Effects of five years of frequent N additions, with or without acidity, on the growth and below-ground dynamics of a young Sitka spruce stand growing on an acid peat: implications for sustainability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stutter, M. I.; Alam, M. S.; Langan, S. J.; Woodin, S. J.; Smart, R. P.; Cresser, M. S.

2004-06-01

An experiment comparing effects of sulphuric acid and reduced N deposition on soil water quality and on chemical and physical growth indicators for forest ecosystems is described. Six H2SO4 and (NH4)2SO4 treatment loads, from 0 - 44 and 0 - 25 kmolc ha-1 yr-1, respectively, were applied to outdoor microcosms of Pinus sylvestris seedlings in 3 acid to intermediate upland soils (calc-silicate, quartzite and granite) for 2 years. Different soil types responded similarly to H2SO4 loads, resulting in decreased leachate pH, but differently to reduced N inputs. In microcosms of calc-silicate soil, nitrification of NH4 resulted in lower pH and higher cation leaching than in acid treatments. By contrast, in quartzite and granite soils, (NH4)2SO4 promoted direct cation leaching, although leachate pH increased. The results highlighted the importance of soil composition on the nature of the cations leached, the SO4 adsorption capacities and microbial N transformations. Greater seedling growth on calc-silicate soils under both treatment types was related to sustained nutrient availability. Reductions in foliar P and Mg with higher N treatments were observed for seedlings in the calc-silicate soil. There were few treatment effects on quartzite and granite microcosm tree seedlings since P limitation precluded seedling growth responses to treatments. Hence, any benefits of N deposition to seedlings on quartzite and granite soils appeared limited by availability of co-nutrients, exacerbated by rapid depletion of soil exchangeable base cations.

Iron-ore resources of the United States including Alaska and Puerto Rico, 1955

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carr, Martha S.; Dutton, Carl E.

1959-01-01

The importance of iron ore, the basic raw material of steel, as a fundamental mineral, resource is shown by the fact that about 100 million long tons of steel is used annually in the economy of the United States, as compared with a combined total of about 5 million long tons of copper, lead, zinc, and aluminum. Satisfying this annual demand for steel requires about 110 million tons of iron ore and 70 million tons of scrap iron and steel. The average annual consumption of iron ore in the United States from 1951 to 1955, inclusive, was about 110 million long tons, which is about twice the annual average from 1900 to 1930. Production of iron ore in the United States in this 5-year period averaged approximately 100 million long tons annually, divided by regions as follows (in percent): Lake Superior, 84.1; southeastern, 6.7; western, 6.7; northeastern, 1.4; and central and gulf, 1.1. Mining of iron ore began in the American Colonies about 1619, and for 225 years it was limited to eastern United States where fuel and markets were readily available. Production of iron ore from the Lake Superior region began in 1846; the region became the leading domestic source by 1890, and the Mesabi range in Minnesota has been the world's most productive area since 1896. Proximity of raw materials, water transportation, and markets has resulted in centralization of the country's iron and steel industry in the lower Great Lakes area. Increased imports of iron ore being delivered to eastern United States as well as demands for steel in nearby markets have given impetus to expansion in the steel-making capacity in this area. The four chief iron-ore minerals - hematite, liminite, magnetite, and siderite - are widely distributed but only locally form deposits of sufficient tonnage and grade to be commercially valuable at the present time. The iron content of these minerals, of which hematite is the most important, ranges from 48 percent in siderite to 72 percent in magnetite, but as these minerals are associated with other rock-forming minerals, the iron content of marketable ore has a lower range from 30 to 67 percent.Chemical constituents other than iron also are important in determining the marketability of iron ore. Although some iron ores can be used in the blast furnace as mined, others must first be improved either chemically by reduction of undesirable constituents, or physically by aggregation. Phosphorus and sulfur particularly are common deleterious elements; excessive silica is also undesirable but within certain limits can be controlled by additional flux. Lime and magnesia are beneficial in specified amounts because of their fluxing qualities, and a small amount of alumina improves the fluidity of slag. Manganese is especially desirable as a deoxidizing and desulfurizing agent. Titanium, chromium, and nickel must also be considered in the use of ore containing these elements.The principal iron-ore deposits in the United States have been formed by three processes. Hematite-bearing bedded deposits such as those at Birmingham, Ala., are marine sedimentary rocks which, except for weathering along the outcrop, have remained practically unaltered since deposition. Deposits of the Lake Superior region, also in sedimentary strata, originally had a slightly lower iron content than those at-Birmingham, but ore bodies of hematite and limonite were formed by removal of other constituents in solution after deposition of the beds, with a relative increase of iron content in the material remaining. Limestone adjacent to igneous intrusions has been replaced by magnetite deposits at Cornwall, Pa., and by hematite-magnetite deposits near Cedar City, Utah. Magnetite deposits in New Jersey and in the Adirondack Mountains of New York are generally believed to have been formed by replacement of grains of other minerals in metamorphic rocks. Iron-ore resources are made up of reserves of iron ore, material usable under existing economic and technologic conditions; and potential ore, material likely to become usable under more favorable conditions. The tonnage and grade of material of combined reserves and potential ore in each of the deposits known or believed to contain at least 200,000 long tons of iron-ore resources are tabulated in this report, and numerous sources of additional information are given in a selected bibliography. The total domestic iron-ore resources are estimated at approximately 75,000 million long tons of crude ore. About 10,000 million tons of the resources is reserves of crude ore that will probably yield 5,500 million tons of concentrates and direct-shipping ore. About 65,000 million tons is potential ore and may yield 25,000 million tons of concentrates and some direct-shipping ore.

Iron Speciation in Minerals and Melts at High Pressure: Implications for the Redox Evolution of the Early Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, K.; Frost, D. J.; McCammon, C. A.; Rubie, D. C.; Boffa Ballaran, T.; Miyajima, N.

2016-12-01

During the differentiation of the early Earth, the silicates of the mantle must have been in equilibrium with core-forming metal iron, as indicated by the depletion of siderophile elements from the mantle. Studies of ancient rocks suggest that by at least 3.9 Ga, the upper mantle was 4-5 log units more oxidized than metal saturation implies (Delano 2001). The process(es) by which the mantle was oxidized is unclear, but has implications for the timing of accretion, differentiation, and volatile delivery to the early Earth, as well as evolution of the early atmosphere. One plausible oxidation mechanism is suggested by the tendency of high-pressure silicate minerals to favor Fe3+ over Fe2+ in their structures, even at metal saturation. This preference in the lower mantle mineral bridgmanite has been proposed to drive the disproportionation reaction of FeO to form Fe­2O3 and iron metal (Frost and McCammon 2008). We have performed experiments at the Ru-RuO2 fO2 buffer which show that silicate melts may mirror this behavior and Fe3+ may be stabilized with pressure for a constant fO2; by 21 GPa, the previously observed trend of Fe3+ decreasing with pressure (O'Neill, 2006) reverses and ferric iron content had increased. If this is also the case at lower oxygen fugacities, FeO disproportionation may have occurred at the base of an early magma ocean, establishing a redox gradient similar to what is presumed for the mantle today. Here we report results of further multianvil and diamond anvil cell experiments exploring the plausibility of FeO disproportionation driving mantle oxidation. Experiments investigating Fe speciation in high pressure melts at variable fO2 will be discussed along with results of diamond anvil cell experiments investigating ferric iron content of lower mantle minerals at metal saturation.

Ferrobasalt-rhyolite immiscibility in tholeiitic volcanic and plutonic series (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charlier, B.; Namur, O.; Kamenetsky, V. S.; Grove, T. L.

2013-12-01

One atmosphere experiments show that silicate liquid immiscibility develops between Fe-rich and Si-rich melts below 1000-1020°C in compositionally diverse lavas that represent classical tholeiitic trends, such as Mull, Iceland, Snake River Plain and Sept Iles. Extreme iron enrichment along the evolution trend is not necessary; immiscibility also develops during iron depletion and silica enrichment after Fe-Ti oxide saturation. Natural liquid lines of descent for major tholeiitic series also approach or intersect the experimentally-defined compositional space of immiscibility. The importance of ferrobasalt-rhyolite unmixing in both volcanic and plutonic environments is supported by worldwide occurrence of immiscible globules in the mesostasis of erupted basalts, and by unmixed melt inclusions in cumulus phases of major layered intrusions such as Sept Iles, Skaergaard and Sudbury. A clear case of liquid immiscibility is also recorded in intrusive tholeiitic gabbros from the Siberian Large Igneous Province and is evidenced by textures and compositions of millimeter-sized silicate melt pools trapped in native iron. An important implication of immiscibility in natural ferrobasaltic provinces is the development of a compositional gap characterized by the absence of intermediate compositions, a major feature observed in many tholeiitic provinces and referred to as the Daly gap. The compositions of experimental silica-rich immiscible melts coincide with those of natural rhyolites with high FeOtot and low Al2O3, which suggests a potential role for large-scale immiscibility in the petrogenesis of late-stage ferroan silicic melts. No evidence for the paired ferrobasaltic melt is observed in volcanic provinces, probably because of its uneruptable characteristics. Instead, Fe-Ti×P-rich gabbros crystallized at depth and are the cumulate products of immiscible Fe-rich melts in plutonic settings, a feature clearly evidenced in the Sept Iles intrusion. The production of immiscible Fe-Ti-Ca-P liquids has also important implications for the formation of some iron deposits associated with alkaline lavas.

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Noamundi-Koira basin iron ore deposits (India)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirza, Azimuddin; Alvi, Shabbar Habib; Ilbeyli, Nurdane

2015-04-01

India is one of the richest sources of iron ore deposits in the world; and one of them is located in the Noamundi-Koira basin, Singhbhum-Orissa craton. The geological comparative studies of banded iron formation (BIF) and associated iron ores of Noamundi-Koira iron ore deposits, belonging to the iron ore group in eastern India, focus on the study of mineralogy and major elemental compositions along with the geological evaluation of different iron ores. The basement of the Singhbhum-Orissa craton is metasedimentary rocks which can be traced in a broadly elliptical pattern of granitoids, surrounded by metasediments and metavolcanics of Greenstone Belt association. The Singhbhum granitoid is intrusive into these old rocks and to younger, mid Archaean metasediments, including iron formations, schists and metaquartzites and siliciclastics of the Precambrian Iron Ore Group (Saha et al., 1994; Sharma, 1994). The iron ore of Noamundi-Koira can be divided into seven categories (Van Schalkwyk and Beukes 1986). They are massive, hard laminated, soft laminated, martite-goethite, powdery blue dust and lateritic ore. Although it is more or less accepted that the parent rock of iron ore is banded hematite jasper (BHJ), the presence of disseminated martite in BHJ suggests that the magnetite of protore was converted to martite. In the study area, possible genesis of high-grade hematite ore could have occurred in two steps. In the first stage, shallow, meteoric fluids affect primary, unaltered BIF by simultaneously oxidizing magnetite to martite and replacing quartz with hydrous iron oxides. In the second stage of supergene processes, deep burial upgrades the hydrous iron oxides to microplaty hematite. Removal of silica from BIF and successive precipitation of iron resulted in the formation of martite- goethite ore. Soft laminated ores were formed where precipitation of iron was partial or absent. The leached out space remains with time and the interstitial space is generally filled with kaolinite and gibbsite, which make it low grade. Massive iron ores are devoid of any lamination and usually associated with BHJ and lower shale. The thickness of the massive ore layer varies with the location. The massive iron ore grades in to well-developed bedded BHJ in depth. Blue dust occurs in association with BHJ as pockets and layers. Although blue dust and friable ore are both powdery ores, and subjected to variable degree of deformation, leading to the formation of folding, faulting and joints of complex nature produce favourable channels. Percolating water play an important role in the formation of blue dust and the subterranean solution offers the necessary acidic environment for leaching of quartz from the BHJ. The dissolution of silica and other alkalis are responsible for the formation of blue dust. The friable and powdery ore on the other hand are formed by soft laminated ore. As it is formed from the soft laminated ore, its alumina content remains high similar to soft laminated ore compaired to blue dust. Mineralogy study suggests that magnetite was the principal iron oxide mineral, now a relict phase whose depositional history is preserved in BHJ, where it remains in the form of martite. The platy hematite is mainly the product of martite. The different types of iron ores are intricately related with the BHJ. Hard laminated ores, martite-goethite ore and soft laminated ore are resultant of desilicification process through the action of hydrothermal fluids. Geochemistry of banded iron-formations of the Noamundi-Koira iron ore deposits shows that they are detritus-free chemical precipitates. The mineralogical and geochemical data suggest that the hard laminated, massive, soft laminated ores and blue dust had a genetic lineage from BIF's aided with certain input from hydrothermal activity. The comparative study of major elemental composition of the basin samples and while plotting a binary diagram, it shows a relation between major oxides against iron oxides, in which iron oxides is taken as a reference oxide (Mirza, 2011). On the other hand, by plotting a binary diagram between chemical index of alteration (CIA) and other oxides while taking the samples of lower, middle and upper shales. It reflects an immobility and mobility of ions during partial and complete weathering processes (Mirza, 2011). Geochemical data indicate that BIF are in general detritus free chemical precipitates. Fe2O3 content of BHJ are varies in between 36.6% to 65.04%. In hard laminated ore, Fe2O3 content varies from 93.8% to 96.38%, Soft laminated ore varies from 83.64% to 89.5% and laterite ore varies from 53.5% to 79.11%. Fe2O3 content in Martite- Goethite ore varies from 86.38% to 89.42% and blue dust having 90.74% to 95.86% and all other oxides like SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, K2O, Na2O are decreases. Major part of the iron could have been added to the bottom sea water by hydrothermal solutions derived from hydrothermally active anoxic marine environments. The presence of intacalated tuffaceous shales pointing towards the genesis of iron, which could have leached from sea floor by volcanogenic process. Iron and silica of BIF were provided by the hydrothermal solutions emplaced at the vent sites situated at the Archean-Mid Oceanic Ridges. References: Mirza A (2011). Major element geochemistry of iron ore deposits in Noamundi-Koira basin of Singhbhum-Orissa craton (India). MSc thesis, Aligarh Muslim University, India. Saha AK (1994). Crustal evolution of Singhbhum, North Orissa, Eastern India; Geol. Soc. India Memoir 27 341. Sharma M, Basu AR and Ray SL (1994). Sm-Nd isotopic and geochemical study of the Archaean tonalite-amphibolite association from the eastern Indian craton. Contrib. Mineral Petrol. 117:45-55. Van Schalkwyk J and Beukes N J (1986). The Sishen iron ore deposit, Griqualand West; In: Mineral deposits of Southern Africa (eds) Annhaeusser C R and Maske S S, Geological Society of South Africa, Johannesburg, 931-956.

The recovery of gold from refractory ores by the use of carbon-in-chlorine leaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greaves, John N.; Palmer, Glenn R.; White, William W.

1990-09-01

Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Mines examined the recovery of gold by chlorination of refractory carbonaceous and sulfidic ores, comparing various treatment methods in which a ground ore pulp is contacted with chlorine gas and activated carbon is added to the pulp for a carbon-in-chlorine leach (CICL). The objective of this research was to demonstrate the basic feasibility of CICL technology. Results showed that the organic carbon deactivating environment of CICL lowers, but does not eliminate, the adsorption of gold on activated carbon. In this environment, the refractory ore is altered, and gold is extracted and then recovered on activated carbon. With highly carbonaceous ores, CICL achieved a higher recovery than with primarily sulfidic refractory ores. Basic cyanide amenability testing of two carbonaceous ores achieved recoveries of only 5.5% and 46%. With CICL treatment, recoveries on carbon were 90% and 92%.

Solubility and chemistry of materials encountered by beryllium mine and ore extraction workers: relation to risk.

PubMed

Deubner, David C; Sabey, Philip; Huang, Wenjie; Fernandez, Diego; Rudd, Abigail; Johnson, William P; Storrs, Jason; Larson, Rod

2011-10-01

Beryllium mine and ore extraction mill workers have low rates of beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease relative to the level of beryllium exposure. The objective was to relate these rates to the solubility and composition of the mine and mill materials. Medical surveillance and exposure data were summarized. Dissolution of BeO, ore materials and beryllium hydroxide, Be(OH)(2) was measured in synthetic lung fluid. The ore materials were more soluble than BeO at pH 7.2 and similar at pH 4.5. Be(OH)(2) was more soluble than BeO at both pH. Aluminum dissolved along with beryllium from ore materials. Higher solubility of beryllium ore materials and Be(OH)(2) at pH 7.2 might shorten particle longevity in the lung. The aluminum content of the ore materials might inhibit the cellular immune response to beryllium.

Extreme variation of sulfur isotopic compositions in pyrite from the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit, West Qinling orogen, central China: An in situ SIMS study with implications for the source of sulfur

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, Lei; Li, Xian-hua; Li, Jian-wei; Hofstra, Albert H.; Liu, Yu; Koenig, Alan E.

2015-01-01

High spatial resolution textural (scanning electron microscope (SEM)), chemical (electron microprobe (EMP)) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spec- trometry (LA-ICP-MS)), and sulfur isotopic (secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)) analyses of pyrite from the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit (232±4 Ma) in the West Qinling orogen, central China were conducted to distinguish pyrite types and gain insights into the source and evolution of sulfur in hydrothermal fluids. The results reveal an enormous variation (−27.1 to +69.6‰) in sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite deposited during three paragenetic stages. Pre-ore framboidal pyrite, which is characterized by low concentra- tions of As, Au, Cu, Co, and Ni, has negative δ34S values of −27.1 to −7.6‰ that are interpreted in terms of bacterial re- duction of marine sulfate during sedimentation and diagenesis of the Paleozoic carbonate and clastic sequences, the predom- inant lithologies in the deposit area, and the most important hosts of many sediment-hosted gold deposits throughout the West Qinling orogen. The ore-stage hydrothermal pyrite con- tains high concentrations of Au, As, Cu, Sb, Tl, and Bi and hasa relatively narrow range of positive δ34S values ranging from +8.1 to +15.2‰. The sulfur isotope data are comparable to those of ore pyrite from many Triassic orogenic gold deposits and Paleozoic sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) Pb-Zn de- posits in the West Qinling orogen, both being hosted mainly in the Devonian sequence. This similarity indicates that sulfur, responsible for the auriferous pyrite at Qiuling, was largely derived from the metamorphic devolatization of Paleozoic marine sedimentary rocks. Post-ore-stage pyrite, which is sig- nificantly enriched in Co and Ni but depleted in Au and As, has unusually high δ34S values ranging from +37.4 to +69.6 ‰, that are interpreted to result from thermochemical reduc- tion of evaporite sulfates in underlying Cambrian sedimentary rocks with very high δ34S values. The variations in Au content and sulfur isotopic compositions across a single ore-stage py- rite grain may reflect displacement of indigenous groundwater with low δ34S values by auriferous metamorphic fluids with high δ34S values. The very low-grade metamorphism of the host rocks and the metamorphic derivation of sulfur for the ore pyrite indicate that the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit is an epizonal manifestation of an orogenic gold system in the West Qinling orogen.

Mineral Mapping with Imaging Spectroscopy: The Ray Mine, AZ

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Roger N.; Vance, J. Sam; Livo, K. Eric; Green, Robert O.

1998-01-01

Mineral maps generated for the Ray Mine, Arizona were analyzed to determine if imaging spectroscopy can provide accurate information for environmental management of active and abandoned mine regions. The Ray Mine, owned by the ASARCO Corporation, covers an area of 5700 acres and is situated in Pinal County, Arizona about 70 miles north of Tucson near Hayden, Arizona. This open-pit mine has been a major source of copper since 1911, producing an estimated 4.5 million tons of copper since its inception. Until 1955 mining was accomplished by underground block caving and shrinkage stope methods. (excavation by working in stepped series usually employed in a vertical or steeply inclined orebody) In 1955, the mine was completely converted to open pit method mining with the bulk of the production from sulfide ore using recovery by concentrating and smelting. Beginning in 1969 a significant production contribution has been from the leaching and solvent extraction-electrowinnowing method of silicate and oxide ores. Published reserves in the deposit as of 1992 are 1.1 billion tons at 0.6 percent copper. The Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with ASARCO, and NASA/JPL obtained AVIRIS data over the mine in 1997 as part of the EPA Advanced Measurement Initiative (AMI) (Tom Mace, Principal Investigator). This AVIRIS data set is being used to compare and contrast the accuracy and environmental monitoring capabilities of remote sensing technologies: visible-near-IR imaging spectroscopy, multispectral visible and, near-IR sensors, thermal instruments, and radar platforms. The goal of this effort is to determine if these various technologies provide useful information for envirorunental management of active and abandoned mine sites in the arid western United States. This paper focuses on the analysis of AVIRIS data for assessing the impact of the Ray Mine on Mineral Creek. Mineral Creek flows to the Gila River. This paper discusses our preliminary AVIRIS mineral mapping and environmental findings.

Trace elements in magnetite as petrogenetic indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dare, Sarah A. S.; Barnes, Sarah-Jane; Beaudoin, Georges; Méric, Julien; Boutroy, Emilie; Potvin-Doucet, Christophe

2014-10-01

We have characterized the distribution of 25 trace elements in magnetite (Mg, Al, Si, P, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Hf, Ta, W, and Pb), using laser ablation ICP-MS and electron microprobe, from a variety of magmatic and hydrothermal ore-forming environments and compared them with data from the literature. We propose a new multielement diagram, normalized to bulk continental crust, designed to emphasize the partitioning behavior of trace elements between magnetite, the melt/fluid, and co-crystallizing phases. The normalized pattern of magnetite reflects the composition of the melt/fluid, which in both magmatic and hydrothermal systems varies with temperature. Thus, it is possible to distinguish magnetite formed at different degrees of crystal fractionation in both silicate and sulfide melts. The crystallization of ilmenite or sulfide before magnetite is recorded as a marked depletion in Ti or Cu, respectively. The chemical signature of hydrothermal magnetite is distinct being depleted in elements that are relatively immobile during alteration and commonly enriched in elements that are highly incompatible into magnetite (e.g., Si and Ca). Magnetite formed from low-temperature fluids has the lowest overall abundance of trace elements due to their lower solubility. Chemical zonation of magnetite is rare but occurs in some hydrothermal deposits where laser mapping reveals oscillatory zoning, which records the changing conditions and composition of the fluid during magnetite growth. This new way of plotting all 25 trace elements on 1 diagram, normalized to bulk continental crust and elements in order of compatibility into magnetite, provides a tool to help understand the processes that control partitioning of a full suit of trace elements in magnetite and aid discrimination of magnetite formed in different environments. It has applications in both petrogenetic and provenance studies, such as in the exploration of ore deposits and in sedimentology.

Chemical and physical erosion rhythms of the West African Cenozoic morphogenesis: The 39Ar-40Ar dating of supergene K-Mn oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beauvais, Anicet; Ruffet, Gilles; HéNocque, Olivier; Colin, Fabrice

2008-12-01

Chemical weathering and mechanical erosion are first-order processes of long-term tropical morphogenesis, which is still poorly deciphered for lack of time constraints. We address this issue by laser probe 39Ar-40Ar dating of generations of cryptomelane [K1-2Mn8O16, nH2O] from the manganese ore deposit of Tambao in northern Burkina Faso. This Mn deposit results from the supergene weathering of carbonate and silicate Mn protores underneath lateritic palaeolandsurfaces. It consists of an upper cryptomelane-rich domain and a lower domain where pyrolusite (β-MnO2) is the dominant Mn oxide. The oldest 39Ar-40Ar ages (59-45 Ma) are obtained on surface outcrops while the youngest ones characterize deep oxidation fronts (3.4-2.9 Ma). Apparent correlations of 39Ar-40Ar age groups with δ18O and eustatic curves allow definition of the different stages of morphogenesis. Paleocene-Eocene ages (59-45 Ma) bracket a greenhouse period propitious to bauxitic weathering. The lack of significant ages between ˜45 and 29 Ma characterizes a period dominated by mechanical erosion, during which detrital sediments, including lateritic materials, were accumulated in intracratonic basins allowing the exhumation of a new lateritic landsurface. Two major weathering periods separated by a second erosion episode (24-18 Ma) are also depicted at the end of Oligocene (29-24 Ma) and lower to mid-Miocene (18-11.5 Ma) in the upper domain, during which newly shaped land surfaces conspicuously weathered. The shorter-weathering and erosion episodes recorded in the lower domain from ˜18 to ˜2.9 Ma led to the final geomorphic changes that were conducive to the formation of glacis. The preservation of old cryptomelane (59-45 Ma) in the upper part of the ore deposit indicates a Cenozoic denudation limited to the erosion of previous bauxites, and partly, of ferricretes.

Age constraints on the hydrothermal history of the Prominent Hill iron oxide copper-gold deposit, South Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowden, Bryan; Fraser, Geoff; Davidson, Garry J.; Meffre, Sebastien; Skirrow, Roger; Bull, Stuart; Thompson, Jay

2017-08-01

The Mesoproterozoic Prominent Hill iron-oxide copper-gold deposit lies on the fault-bound southern edge of the Mt Woods Domain, Gawler Craton, South Australia. Chalcocite-bornite-chalcopyrite ores occur in a hematitic breccia complex that has similarities to the Olympic Dam deposit, but were emplaced in a shallow water clastic-carbonate package overlying a thick andesite-dacite pile. The sequence has been overturned against the major, steep, east-west, Hangingwall Fault, beyond which lies the clastic to potentially evaporitic Blue Duck Metasediments. Immediately north of the deposit, these metasediments have been intruded by dacite porphyry and granitoid and metasomatised to form magnetite-calc-silicate skarn ± pyrite-chalcopyrite. The hematitic breccia complex is strongly sericitised and silicified, has a large sericite ± chlorite halo, and was intruded by dykes during and after sericitisation. This paper evaluates the age of sericite formation in the mineralised breccias and provides constraints on the timing of granitoid intrusion and skarn formation in the terrain adjoining the mineralisation. The breccia complex contains fragments of granitoid and porphyry that are found here to be part of the Gawler Range Volcanics/Hiltaba Suite magmatic event at 1600-1570 Ma. This indicates that some breccia formation post-dated granitoid intrusion. Monazite and apatite in Fe-P-REE-albite metasomatised granitoid, paragenetically linked with magnetite skarn formation north of the Hangingwall Fault, grew soon after granitoid intrusion, although the apatite experienced U-Pb-LREE loss during later fluid-mineral interaction; this accounts for its calculated age of 1544 ± 39 Ma. To the south of the fault, within the breccia, 40Ar-39Ar ages yield a minimum age of sericitisation (+Cu+Fe+REE) of dykes and volcanics of ˜1575 Ma, firmly placing Prominent Hill ore formation as part of the Gawler Range Volcanics/Hiltaba Suite magmatic event within the Olympic Cu-Au province of the Gawler Craton.

Constraints of C-O-S isotope compositions and the origin of the Ünlüpınar volcanic-hosted epithermal Pb-Zn ± Au deposit, Gümüşhane, NE Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akaryali, Enver; Akbulut, Kübra

2016-03-01

The Eastern Pontide Orogenic Belt (EPOB) constitutes one of the best examples of the metallogenic provinces in on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. This study focuses on the genesis of the Ünlüpınar Pb-Zn ± Au deposit in the southern part of the Eastern Pontide Orogenic Belt. The main lithological units in the study area are the Early Carboniferous Kurtoğlu Metamorphic Complex the Late Carboniferous Köse Granitoid and the Early-Middle Jurassic Şenköy Formation. The studied deposit is hosted by the Şenköy Formation, which consists predominantly of basaltic-andesitic rocks and associated pyroclastic rocks that are calc-alkaline in composition. Silicic, sulfidic, argillic, chloritic, hematitic, carbonate and limonite are the most obvious alteration types observed in the deposit site. Ore microscopy studies exhibit that the mineral paragenesis in deposits includes pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, gold, quartz and calcite. Electron microprobe analyses conducted on sphalerite indicate that the Zn/Cd ratio varies between 84 and 204, and these ratios point at a hydrothermal deposit related to granitic magmas. Fluid inclusion studies in calcite and quartz show that the homogenization temperature of the studied deposit ranges between 90-160 °C and 120-330 °C respectively. The values of sulfur isotope analysis of pyrite, sphalerite and galena minerals vary between 1.6‰ and 5.7‰, and the results of oxygen and carbon isotope analysis range between 8.4‰ and 18‰ and -5‰ and -3.6‰, respectively. The average formation temperature of the ore was calculated as 264 °C with a sulfur isotope geothermometer. All of the data indicate that the Ünlüpınar deposit is an epithermal vein-type mineralization that was formed depending on the granitic magmatism.

Hydrothermal Fluids, Nebular Vapors and Silicate MELTS As Seem through the Eyes of Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sack, R. O.

2014-12-01

Three cases where advances in mineral thermochemistry provide new insights into geological processes are discussed: (I) Sb-rich fahlores are used to constrain compositions of hydrothermal fluids and processes responsible for Ag-Pb-Zn sulfide ores from three Ag mining districts, Keno Hill, (Yukon, Canada); Julcani, (Angaraes, Peru); Coeur d'Alene, (Idaho, USA), confirming that the Ag initially contained in galena solid solutions was a substantial contributor to the total Ag mined in each of them; (II) Al8/3O4-rich MgAl2O4-Al8/3O4 spinels may have condensed from the primordial solar nebula, with their Al8/3O4 annealed out with cooling, as AgSbS2 is "annealed" out of galena in Ag-Pb-Zn ore deposits. Such spinels may explain inconsistencies between mineral condensation sequences recorded in Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) in carbonaceous chondrites and those calculated assuming spinel was MgAl2O4. A new thermodynamical model and corundum-bearing CAIs, suggest we may anticipate realization of higher temperatures and pressures of canonical condensation than currently in vogue; (III) Fassitic pyroxenes in the composition space CaMgSi2O6 (Di) - CaTiAlSiO6 (Gr) - CaTi1/2Mg1/2AlSiO6 (AlBf) - CaAl2SiO6 (CATS) exhibit at least one prominent gap evident in composition data from CAIs. This may be interpreted as due to the near superposition of the extension of the Di- AlBf gap into this fassaite tetrahedron, with an isolated two-phase region formed by the double intersections of the (Gr+CATS) - AlBf critical curve with the surfaces of constant Ti(Al)-1 exchange potential characteristic of CAIs. A thermodynamic model for fassaites may provide context for critical thinking about CAI petrogenesis, as well as presaging potential refinements to the thermochemical model for pyroxenes in MELTS.

CONTEXT VIEW ALONG EXISTING PERIMETER TRACKS LOOKING OVER IRON ORE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

CONTEXT VIEW ALONG EXISTING PERIMETER TRACKS LOOKING OVER IRON ORE CARS TOWARDS WESTERN SIDE OF CLEVELAND BULK TERMINAL BUILDINGS AND A SELF-UNLOADING IRON ORE SHIP AT DOCK. LOOKING SOUTHWEST. - Pennsylvania Railway Ore Dock, Lake Erie at Whiskey Island, approximately 1.5 miles west of Public Square, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

Geochemical features of the ore-bearing medium in uranium deposits in the Khiagda ore field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochkin, B. T.; Solodov, I. N.; Ganina, N. I.; Rekun, M. L.; Tarasov, N. N.; Shugina, G. A.; Shulik, L. S.

2017-09-01

The Neogene uranium deposits of the Khiagda ore field (KOF) belong to the paleovalley variety of the hydrogene type and differ from other deposits of this genetic type in the geological and geochemical localization conditions. The contemporary hydrogeochemical setting and microbiological composition of ore-bearing medium are discussed. The redox potential of the medium (Eh is as low as-400 mV) is much lower than those established at other hydrogenic deposits, both ancient Late Mesozoic and young Late Alpine, studied with the same methods in Russia, Uzbekistan, and southern Kazakhstan. The pH of subsurface water (6.86-8.13) differs in significant fluctuations both between neighboring deposits and within individual ore lodes. Hydrogen-forming and denitrifying bacteria are predominant in microbiological populations, whereas sulfate-reducing bacteria are low-active. The consideration of these factors allowed us to describe the mechanism of uranium ore conservation as resulting from the development of the cryolithic zone, which isolates ore lodes from the effect of the external medium. Carbonated water supplied from the basement along fault zones also participates in the formation of the present-day hydrogeochemical setting. Based on the features of the ore-bearing medium, we propose a method of borehole in situ acid leaching to increase the efficiency of mining in the Khiagda ore field.

Radon emanation from low-grade uranium ore.

PubMed

Sahu, Patitapaban; Mishra, Devi Prasad; Panigrahi, Durga Charan; Jha, Vivekanand; Patnaik, R Lokeswara

2013-12-01

Estimation of radon emanation in uranium mines is given top priority to minimize the risk of inhalation exposure due to short-lived radon progeny. This paper describes the radon emanation studies conducted in the laboratory as well as inside an operating underground uranium mine at Jaduguda, India. Some of the important parameters, such as grade/(226)Ra activity, moisture content, bulk density, porosity and emanation fraction of ore, governing the migration of radon through the ore were determined. Emanation from the ore samples in terms of emanation rate and emanation fraction was measured in the laboratory under airtight condition in glass jar. The in situ radon emanation rate inside the mine was measured from drill holes made in the ore body. The in situ(222)Rn emanation rate from the mine walls varied in the range of 0.22-51.84 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1) with the geometric mean of 8.68 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1). A significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.001) between in situ(222)Rn emanation rate and the ore grade was observed. The emanation fraction of the ore samples, which varied in the range of 0.004-0.089 with mean value of 0.025 ± 0.02, showed poor correlation with ore grade and porosity. Empirical relationships between radon emanation rate and the ore grade/(226)Ra were also established for quick prediction of radon emanation rate from the ore body. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using apatite to discriminate synchronous ore-associated and barren granitoid rocks: A case study from the Edong metallogenic district, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Deng-Fei; Jiang, Shao-Yong

2018-06-01

In order to find criteria to discriminate the synchronous ore-associated and barren granitoid rocks, we have determined apatite chemistry associated with ore-associated (Cu-Au) and barren granitoid rocks in the Edong district of the Middle and Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt, South China. Both rock types give zircon U-Pb ages between 135.0 and 138.7 Ma. Apatite has a higher volatile and Li content (Cl: 0.19-0.57 wt%, average 0.35 wt%, SO3: 0.08-0.71 wt%, average 0.32 wt%, Li: 0.49-7.99 ppm, average 3.23 ppm) in ore-associated rocks than those in barren rocks (Cl: 0.09-0.31 wt%, average 0.16 wt%, SO3: 0.06-0.28 wt%, average 0.16 wt%, Li: 0.15-0.89 ppm, average 0.36 ppm). Apatite (La/Yb)N ratios and Eu/Eu* values are relatively high and show wider variation in ore-associated rocks than those in barren rocks. Apatite (La/Sm)N and (Yb/Sm)N show positive correlation in ore-associated rocks but negative in barren rocks. The higher volatile content occurs in ore-associated magma, favoring Cu-Au transportation and deposition. Furthermore, amphibole fractional crystallization in ore-associated magma further enriched the ore elements in the residual melt. Barren rocks may have undergone fluid exsolution before emplacement, which makes it barren in Cl, S and ore elements (Cu, S). These signatures emphases the significance of volatile and magma evolution in mineralization and indicate that analyses of magmatic apatite can serve to distinguish ore-associated from barren intrusions.

Application of the Geo-Anomaly Unit Concept in Quantitative Delineation and Assessment of Gold Ore Targets in Western Shandong Uplift Terrain, Eastern China

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen Yongqing, E-mail: ydonglai@mail.cgs.gov.cn; Zhao Pengda; Chen Jianguo

2001-03-15

A number of large and giant ore deposits have been discovered within the relatively small areas of lithospheric structure anomalies, including various boundary zones of tectonic plates. The regions have become the well-known intercontinental ore-forming belts, such as the circum-Pacific gold-copper, copper-molybdenum, and tungsten-tin metallogenic belts. These belts are typical geological anomalous areas. An investigation into the hydrothermal ore deposits in different regions in the former Soviet Union illustrated that the geologic structures of ore fields of almost all major commercial deposits have distinct features compared with the neighboring areas. These areas with distinct features are defined as geo-anomalies. Amore » geo-anomaly refers to such a geologic body or a combination of bodies that their composition, texture-structure, and genesis are significantly different from those of their surroundings. A geo-anomaly unit (GU) is an area containing distinct features that can be delineated with integrated ore-forming information using computer techniques on the basis of the geo-anomaly concept. Herein, the GU concept is illustrated by a case study of delineating the gold ore targets in the western Shandong uplift terrain, eastern China. It includes: (1) analyses of gold ore-forming factors; (2) compilation of normalized regional geochemical map and extraction of geochemical anomalies; (3) compilation of gravitational and aeromagnetic tectonic skeleton map and extraction of gravitational and aeromagnetic anomalies; (4) extraction of circular and linear anomalies from remote-sensing Landsat TM images; (5) establishment of a geo-anomaly conceptual model associated with known gold mineralization; (6) establishment of gold ore-forming favorability by computing techniques; and (7) delineation and assessment of ore-forming units. The units with high favorability are suggested as ore targets.« less

Idea of Identification of Copper Ore with the Use of Process Analyser Technology Sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurdziak, Leszek; Kaszuba, Damian; Kawalec, Witold; Król, Robert

2016-10-01

The Polish resources of the copper ore exploited by the KGHM S.A. underground mines are considered as one of the most complex in the world and - consequently - the most difficult to be processed. The ore consists of three lithology forms: dolomites, shales and sandstones but in different proportions which has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the grinding and flotation processes. The lithological composition of the ore is generally recognised in-situ but after being mined it is blended on its long way from various mining fields to the processing plant by the complex transportation system consisting of belt conveyors with numerous switching points, ore bunkers and shafts. Identification of the lithological composition of the ore being supplied to the processing plant should improve the adjustments of the ore processing machinery equipment aiming to decrease the specific processing (mainly grinding) energy consumption as well as increase the metal recovery. The novel idea of Process Analyser Technology (PAT) sensors - information carrying pellets, dropped into the transported or processed bulk material which can be read directly when needed - is investigated for various applications within the DISIRE project (a part of the SPIRE initiative, acting under the Horizon2020 framework program) and here is adopted for implementing the annotation the transported copper ore for the needs of ore processing plants control. The identification of the lithological composition of ore blended on its way to the processing plant can be achieved by an information system consisting of pellets that keep the information about the original location of the portions of conveyed ore, the digital, geological database keeping the data of in-situ lithology and the simulation models of the transportation system, necessary to evaluate the composition of the blended ore. The assumptions of the proposed solution and the plan of necessary in-situ tests (with the special respect to harsh environment of

Gold ores related to shear zones, West Santa Comba-Fervenza Area (Galicia, NW Spain): A mineralogical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castroviejo, R.

1990-12-01

Recent research has discovered high-grade Au ores in NNE-SSW trending shear zones in metamorphic proterozoic and palaeozoic terranes, some 40 km NW of Santiago de Compostela (NW Spain). The orebodies are bound to late-stage Hercynian structures, mainly due to brittle deformation, which are superimposed on earlier ductile shear zones, cutting through various catazonal lithologies, including ortho- and paragneisses, amphibolites, eclogites, and granites. Ore mineralogy, alteration, and ore textures define a frame whose main features are common to all prospects in the area. Main minerals are arsenopyrite and pyrite — accompanied by quartz, adularia, sericite, ± (tourmaline, chlorite, carbonates, graphite), as main gangue minerals -with subordinate amounts of boulangerite, bismuthinite, kobellite, jamesonite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, galena, sphalerite, rutile, titanite, scheelite, beryl, fluorite, and minor native gold, electrum, native bismuth, fahlore, pyrrhotite, mackinawite, etc., defining a meso-catathermal paragenesis. Detailed microscopic study allows the author to propose a general descriptive scheme of textural classification for this type of ore. Most of the ores fill open spaces or veins, seal cracks or cement breccias; disseminated ores with replacement features related to alteration (mainly silicification, sericitization, and adularization) are also observed. Intensive and repeated cataclasis is a common feature of many ores, suggesting successive events of brittle deformation, hydrothermal flow, and ore precipitation. Gold may be transported and accumulated in any of these events, but tends to be concentrated in later ones. The origin of the gold ores is explained in terms of hydrothermal discharge, associated with mainly brittle deformation and possibly related to granitic magmas, in the global tectonic frame of crustal evolution of West Galicia. The mineralogical and textural study suggests some criteria which will be of practical value for exploration and for ore processing. Ore grades can be improved by flotation of arsenopyrite. Non-conventional methods, such as pressure or bacterial leaching, may subsequently obtain a residue enriched in gold.

Geology and ore deposits of the Section 23 Mine, Ambrosia Lake District, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Granger, H.C.; Santos, E.S.

1982-01-01

The section 23 mine is one of about 18 large uranium mines opened in sandstones of the fluvial Westwater Canyon Member of the Jurassic Morrison Formation in the Ambrosia Lake mining district during the early 1960s. The Ambrosia Lake district is one of several mining districts within the Grants mineral belt, an elongate zone containing many uranium deposits along the southern flank of the San Juan basin. Two distinct types of ore occur in the mine. Primary ore occurs as peneconcordant layers of uranium-rich authigenic organic matter that impregnates parts of the reduced sandstone host rocks and which are typically elongate in an east-southeast direction subparallel both to the sedimentary trends and to the present-day regional strike of the strata. These are called prefault or trend ores because of their early genesis and their elongation and alinement. A second type of ore in the mine is referred to as postfault, stacked, or redistributed ore. Its genesis was similar to that of the roll-type deposits in Tertiary rocks of Wyoming and Texas. Oxidation, related to the development of a large tongue of oxidized rock extending from Gallup to Ambrosia Lake, destroyed much of the primary ore and redistributed it as massive accumulations of lower grade ores bordering the redox interface at the edge of the tongue. Host rocks in the southern half of sec. 23 (T. 14 N., R. 10 W.) are oxidized and contain only remnants of the original, tabular, organic-rich ore. Thick bodies of roll-type ore are distributed along the leading edge of the oxidized zone, and pristine primary ore is found only near the north edge of the section. Organic matter in the primary ore was derived from humic acids that precipitated in the pores of the sandstones and fixed uranium as both coffinite and urano-organic compounds. Vanadium, molybdenum, and selenium are also associated with the ore. The secondary or roll-type ores are essentially free of organic carbon and contain uranium both as coffinite and uraninite. They also contain vanadium and selenium but are virtually devoid of molybdenum. Although much has been learned about these deposits since the time this study was conducted, in 1966, a great deal more study will by required to completely elucidate their geologic history.

40 CFR 440.140 - Applicability; description of the gold placer mine subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE... that produce gold or gold bearing ores from placer deposits; and (2) The beneficiation processes which... yards (cu yd) of ore per year, or to dredges which process less than 50,000 cu yd of ore per year, or to...

18. VIEW OF CRUDE ORE BINS FROM WEST. WEST CRUDE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

18. VIEW OF CRUDE ORE BINS FROM WEST. WEST CRUDE ORE BIN AND TRESTLE FROM TWO JOHNS TRAMLINE TO SOUTH, CRUDE ORE BIN IN FOREGROUND. MACHINE SHOP IN BACKGROUND. THE TRAM TO PORTLAND PASSED TO NORTH OF MACHINE SHOP. - Bald Mountain Gold Mill, Nevada Gulch at head of False Bottom Creek, Lead, Lawrence County, SD

40 CFR 440.140 - Applicability; description of the gold placer mine subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE... that produce gold or gold bearing ores from placer deposits; and (2) The beneficiation processes which... yards (cu yd) of ore per year, or to dredges which process less than 50,000 cu yd of ore per year, or to...

40 CFR 440.140 - Applicability; description of the gold placer mine subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS (CONTINUED) ORE MINING AND DRESSING POINT SOURCE... that produce gold or gold bearing ores from placer deposits; and (2) The beneficiation processes which... yards (cu yd) of ore per year, or to dredges which process less than 50,000 cu yd of ore per year, or to...

Bacterio-electric leaching of metals

DOEpatents

Lazaroff, Norman; Dugan, Patrick R.

1992-07-07

The separation of cationic materials from an ore body is assisted by the application of an electric potential, and resulting current, to the ore body, in association with iron or sulphur oxidizing bacteria. The combined process induces migration of cationic metals to a cathode suspended within the ore body so that the cationic metal can be preferentially separated from the ore body.

Bacterio-electric leaching of metals

DOEpatents

Lazaroff, Norman; Dugan, Patrick R.

1992-01-01

The separation of cationic materials from an ore body is assisted by the application of an electric potential, and resulting current, to the ore body, in association with iron or sulphur oxidizing bacteria. The combined process induces migration of cationic metals to a cathode suspended within the ore body so that the cationic metal can be preferentially separated from the ore body.

4. TROJAN MILL, DETAIL OF CRUDE ORE BINS FROM NORTH, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. TROJAN MILL, DETAIL OF CRUDE ORE BINS FROM NORTH, c. 1912. SHOWS TIMBER FRAMING UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR EAST AND WEST CRUDE ORE BINS AT PREVIOUS LOCATION OF CRUSHER HOUSE, AND SNOW SHED PRESENT OVER SOUTH CRUDE ORE BIN WITH PHASE CHANGE IN SNOW SHED CONSTRUCTION INDICATED AT EAST END OF EAST CRUDE ORE BIN. THIS PHOTOGRAPH IS THE FIRST IMAGE OF THE MACHINE SHOP, UPPER LEFT CORNER. CREDIT JW. - Bald Mountain Gold Mill, Nevada Gulch at head of False Bottom Creek, Lead, Lawrence County, SD

Fractionation of Zr and Hf during the differentiation of peralkaline magmatic system (Lovozero rare metal deposit, Kola Peninsula)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogarko, Liya

2016-04-01

Zirconium and hafnium are valuable strategic metals. We assessed principal features of the distribution of these elements in peralkaline rocks, ores and rock-forming and accessory minerals of Lovozero complex. The accumulation of these elements during the evolution of alkaline magma of Lovozero deposit up to extremely high concentrations in eudialyte ores (5-8% ZrO2 and 1200-1800 ppm Hf) has been established. These ores represent valuable complex raw material not only for Zr and Hf, but for REE as well. We evaluated partition coefficients of these elements in alkaline pyroxenes (aegirines) from porphyry-like agpaitic lujavrites of Lovozero massif which are 0.40 for zirconium and 0.58 for hafnium. We assessed variations of Zr/Hf ratio for all the rocks of Lovozero alkaline massif. The growth of this ratio in the course of the evolution of alkaline magma has been observed from 38 in the earliest magmatic phase, to 44 in the second phase and to 51-53 in the latest manifestation of alkaline magmatsm. On the basis of the obtained data and equations of equilibrium and fractional crystallization the model of the fractionation of zirconium and hafnium during the evolution of Lovozero intrusion has been constructed. We have demonstrated that the source of strongly enriched magmatic systems similar to Lovozero rare metal deposit is short-lived enriched reservoir - metasomatized and carbonatized mantle substrate. We investigated the fractionation of zirconium and hafnium in carbonatized mantle xenoliths from East Antarctica. The elevated Zr/Hf ratios (up to 125) in metasomatized xenoliths by comparison with the chondritic value have been found. The main reactions of carbonate metasomatism lead to the replacement of primary orthopyroxene by clinopyroxene 2Mg2Si2O6 + CaMg(CO3)2 = 2Mg2SiO4 + CaMgSi2O6 + 2CO2 3CaMg(CO3)2 + CaMgSi2O6 = 4CaCO3 + 2Mg2SiO4 + 2CO2 The substantial expansion of the clinopyroxene crystallization field results in increase of Zr/Hf ratio in equilibrium melt due to the higher value of Hf partition coefficient by comparison with Zr. The migration of active carbonate and carbonate-silicate melts equilibrated with the metasomatic wehrlites leads to the increase in Zr/Hf ratio in carbonatized mantle substrate. This work has been financially supported by the grant 15-17-30019 of the Russian Science Foundation.

The effects of sulfur on carbon partitioning and solubility in high pressure-temperature alloy-silicate systems: Implications for fractionation of carbon and sulfur during accretion and core formation of Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuno, K.; Dasgupta, R.; Grewal, D. S.

2017-12-01

Constraining the carbon (C) fractionation between the silicate magma ocean (MO) and core-forming alloy liquid is required to determine the origin and evolution of C between reservoirs such as atmosphere, crust, mantle, and core of terrestrial planets. [1]. Alloy-silicate partitioning experiments of C have shown that preferential fractionation of C into the alloy liquid would have left the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) devoid of C [2-4]. Merger of a sulfur (S)-rich differentiated planetary embryo into the proto-Earth could have supplied almost the entire C budget of the present-day BSE [5], however, experimental data on the systematic effect of S on C solubility in Fe-Ni alloy liquid and its partitioning between the alloy liquid and silicate melt are lacking. We have performed multi anvil experiments with alloy-silicate±glassy carbon mixtures at 6-13 GPa and 1800-2000 °C, fO2 of ΔIW of -0.4 to -2.3, using graphite or MgO capsules and varying alloy S content from 10 to 36 wt.%. We find that C content of the alloy liquid decreases from 4.6 to 0.2 wt.% with increasing alloy S content of 10 to 36 wt.%. Temperature has a small positive effect and pressure has little effect on alloy C solubility. Alloy-silicate partition coefficient of C also decreases with increasing alloy S content at a given P-T-fO2. We used the data to quantify the distribution of C between the silicate MO and core-forming alloy liquid of an S-rich planetary embryo. The model calculations using our data suggest that the addition of a relatively oxidized, C-poor ( 0.3 wt.%) and S-rich ( 3 wt.%) large embryo (6-20% of the present-day Earth mass) to a volatile-poor growing Earth can establish the C and S contents [6, 7] and C/S ratio [8] in BSE. The resulting core composition after the accretion and core formation process is estimated to be C- and S-poor ( 0.05 wt.% and 0.6 wt.%, respectively). On the other hand, a single stage core formation on Mars that results in a core with 8-10 wt.% S can yield a mantle with terrestrial-mantle like carbon abundance if the bulk Mars contains 0.6 wt.% C and 1.5-1.7 wt.% S. [1] Dasgupta (2013) RiMG. [2] Dasgupta et al. (2013) GCA. [3] Chi et al. (2014) GCA. [4] Li et al. (2015) EPSL. [5] Li et al. (2016) Nat. Geo. [6] Dasgupta & Hirschmann (2010) EPSL. [7] Palme & O'Neill (2013), Treat. Geochem. [8] Hirschmann (2016) Am Min.

Characterization and Beneficiation Studies of a Low Grade Bauxite Ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, D. S.; Das, B.

2014-10-01

A low grade bauxite sample of central India was thoroughly characterized with the help of stereomicroscope, reflected light microscope and electron microscope using QEMSCAN. A few hand picked samples were collected from different places of the mine and were subjected to geochemical characterization studies. The geochemical studies indicated that most of the samples contain high silica and low alumina, except a few which are high grade. Mineralogically the samples consist of bauxite (gibbsite and boehmite), ferruginous mineral phases (goethite and hematite), clay and silicate (quartz), and titanium bearing minerals like rutile and ilmenite. Majority of the gibbsite, boehmite and gibbsitic oolites contain clay, quartz and iron and titanium mineral phases within the sample as inclusions. The sample on an average contains 39.1 % Al2O3 and 12.3 % SiO2, and 20.08 % of Fe2O3. Beneficiation techniques like size classification, sorting, scrubbing, hydrocyclone and magnetic separation were employed to reduce the silica content suitable for Bayer process. The studies indicated that, 50 % by weight with 41 % Al2O3 containing less than 5 % SiO2 could be achieved. The finer sized sample after physical beneficiation still contains high silica due to complex mineralogical associations.

A laboratory scale study on arsenic(V) removal from aqueous medium using calcined bauxite ore.

PubMed

Mohapatra, Debasish; Mishra, Debaraj; Park, Kyung Ho

2008-01-01

The present work deals with the As(V) removal from an aqueous medium by calcined refractory grade bauxite (CRB) as a function of solution pH, time, As(V) concentration and temperature. The residual As(V) was lowered from 2 mg/L to below 0.01 mg/L in the optimum pH range 4.0-7.0 using a 5 g/L CRB within 3 h contact time. The adsorption data fits well with Langmuir isotherm and yielded Langmuir monolayer capacity of 1.78 mg As(V)/g of CRB at pH 7.0. Presence of anions such as silicate and phosphate decreased As(V) adsorption efficiency. An increase temperature resulted a decrease in the amount of As(V) adsorbed by 6%. The continuous fixed bed column study showed that at the adsorbent bed depth of 30 cm and residence time of 168 min, the CRB was capable of treating 340 bed volumes of As(V) spiked water (C0 = 2 mg/L) before breakthrough (Ce = 0.01 mg/L). This solid adsorbent, although not reusable, can be considered for design of adsorption columns as an efficiency arsenic adsorption media.

Thermodynamic properties of selected uranium compounds and aqueous species at 298.15 K and 1 bar and at higher temperatures; preliminary models for the origin of coffinite deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hemingway, B.S.

1982-01-01

Thermodynamic values for 110 uranium-bearing phases and 28 aqueous uranium solution species (298.15 K and l bar) are tabulated based upon evaluated experimental data (largely from calorimetric experiments) and estimated values. Molar volume data are given for most of the solid phases. Thermodynamic values for 16 uranium-bearing phases are presented for higher temperatures in the form of and as a supplement to U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1452 (Robie et al., 1979). The internal consistency of the thermodynamic values reported herein is dependent upon the reliability of the experimental results for several uranium phases that have been used as secondary calorimetric reference phases. The data for the reference phases and for those phases evaluated with respect to the secondary reference phases are discussed. A preliminary model for coffinite formation has been proposed together with an estimate of the free energy of formation of coffinite. Free energy values are estimated for several other uranium-bearing silicate phases that have been reported as secondary uranium phases associated with uranium ore deposits and that could be expected to develop wherever uranium is leached by groundwaters.

New Dust Features Observed with ISO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tielens, Alexander G. G. M.; Young, Richard E. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

This paper will review our current knowledge of circumstellar and interstellar dust with the emphasis on infrared spectroscopy with ISO. Objects embedded in or located behind molecular clouds show a wealth of absorption features due to simple molecules in an icy mantle. The SWS on ISO has provided us, for the first time, with complete 3-45 um spectra which allow an inventory of interstellar ice. Among the species identified are H2O, CH3OH, CH4, CO2, CO, and OCS. These species are formed through simple reactions among gas phase species accreted on grain surfaces, possibly modified by FUV photolysis and warm-up (ie., outgassing). The implications of the observations for our understanding of these processes will be reviewed. The IR spectra of many UV bright objects are dominated by strong emission features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, and 11.3 micrometers. These are generally attributed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) molecules. The observational evidence will be reviewed. The emphasis will be on recent data which show widespread spectral variations, particularly among protoplanetary and planetary nebulae, and their implications. One of the most exciting, recent discoveries on interstellar and circumstellar dust has been the detection of spectral structure due to crystalline olivine and enstatite in a variety of objects surrounded by circumstellar silicates. These spectra will be reviewed and circumstellar silicate mineralogy will be discussed.

Iron mineralization at the Songhu deposit, Chinese Western Tianshan: a type locality with regional metallogenic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chun-Long; Wang, Yi-Tian; Dong, Lian-Hui; Qin, Ke-Zhang; Evans, Noreen J.; Zhang, Bing; Ren, Yi

2018-01-01

Hosted by volcaniclastics of the Carboniferous Dahalajunshan Formation, the Songhu iron deposit is located in the central segment of the Awulale metallogenic belt, Chinese Western Tianshan. Mineralization and alteration are structurally controlled by orogen-parallel NWW-striking faults. Integrating with mineralogical and stable isotopic analyses based on paragenetic relationships, two types of iron mineralization have been identified. The deuteric mineralization (Type I) represented by brecciated, banded, and disseminated-vein ores juxtaposed with potassic-calcic alteration in the inner zone, which was formed from a magmatic fluid generated during the late stages of regional volcanism. In contrast, the volcanic-hydrothermal mineralization (Type II) is characterized by hydrothermal features occurring in massive and agglomerated ores with abundant sulfides, and was generated from the magmatic fluid with seawater contamination. Two volcaniclastic samples from the hanging and footwall of the main orebody yield zircon U-Pb ages of 327.8 ± 3.1 and 332.0 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively, which indicate Middle Carboniferous volcanism. Timing for iron mineralization can be broadly placed in the same epoch. By reviewing geological, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the primary iron deposits in the Awulale metallogenic belt, we propose that the two types of iron mineralization in the Songhu iron deposit are representative regionally. A summary of available geochronological data reveals Middle-Late Carboniferous polycyclic ore-related volcanism, and nearly contemporaneous iron mineralization along the belt. Furthermore, petro-geochemistry of volcanic-volcaniclastic host rocks indicates that partial melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge under a continental arc setting could have triggered the continuous volcanic activities and associated metallogenesis.

Geochemistry of the Nsuta Mn deposit in Ghana: Implications for the Paleoproterozoic atmosphere and ocean chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, K. T.; Ito, T.; Suzuki, K.; Kashiwabara, T.; Takaya, Y.; Shimoda, G.; Nozaki, T.; Kiyokawa, S.; Tetteh, G. M.; Nyame, F. K.

2013-12-01

Oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans has influenced the evolution of ocean chemistry and diversification of early life. A number of large manganese (Mn) deposits are distributed in the Paleoproterozoic sedimentary successions that were formed during the great oxidation event (GOE) around 2.4-2.2 Ga (Meynard, 2010). Due to the high redox potential of Mn, occurrences of Mn deposits have been regarded as important evidence for a highly oxidized environment during the Paleoproterozoic (Kirschvink et al., 2000). Furthermore, because Mn oxides strongly adsorb various elements, including bioessential elements such as Mo, formation of large Mn deposits may have affected the seawater chemical composition and ecology during the Paleoproterozoic. However, the genesis of each Mn deposit is poorly constrained, and the relationships among the formation of Mn deposits, the evolution of atmospheric and ocean chemistry, and the diversification of early life are still ambiguous. In this study, we report the Re-Os isotope compositions, rare earth element (REE) compositions, and abundance of manganophile elements in the Mn carbonate ore and host sedimentary rock samples collected from the Nsuta Mn deposit of the Birimian Supergroup, Ghana. The Nsuta deposit is one of the largest Paleoproterozoic Mn deposits, although its genesis remains controversial (Melcher et al., 1995; Mucke et al., 1999). The composite Re-Os isochron age (2149 × 130 Ma) of the Mn carbonate and sedimentary rock samples was consistent with the depositional age of the sedimentary rocks (~2.2 Ga) presumed from the U-Pb zircon age of volcanic rocks (Hirdes and Davis, 1998), suggesting that the timing of Mn ore deposition was almost equivalent to the host rock sedimentation. The PAAS-normalized REE pattern showed a positive Eu anomaly in all samples and a positive Ce anomaly only in the Mn carbonate ore. These REE patterns indicate the possible contribution of Eu-enriched fluids derived from hydrothermal activity and Ce enrichment due to the oxidation of Ce(III) by Mn(IV) during an ore formation. Among the manganophile elements, merely Mo is enriched in the Mn carbonate ore compared with the host sedimentary rocks. The profile of manganophile elements was similar to that of modern hydrothermal Mn oxide (Kuhn et al., 2003), although the exact Mo concentration was much lower. These geochemical lines of evidence provide the following plausible genetic model for the Nsuta deposits: (1) Mn(II) was derived from hydrothermal vents, (2) Mn(II) was oxidized to Mn(IV) oxide by the oxygenated seawater, (3) the precipitation of Mn oxide is almost concurrent with the deposition of the host sedimentary rocks, (4) Mn oxide was diagenetically transformed to be a Mn carbonate ore. The geochemical features of the Nsuta deposits suggest that, as in the present oxic oceans, Mn oxide was a potential sink for several trace elements in the Paleoproterozoic oceans. The low-Mo concentration in the Mn carbonate ore probably reflects the large difference between the chemical compositions of Paleoproterozoic and present seawater, implying the prevalence of reduced marine conditions even during the GOE (Scott et al., 2008)

The composition of fluid inclusions in ore and gangue minerals from the Silesian-Cracow Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb deposits Poland: Genetic and environmental implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Viets, J.G.; Hofstra, A.H.; Emsbo, P.; Kozlowski, A.

1996-01-01

The composition of fluids extracted from ore and gangue sulfide minerals that span most of the paragenesis of the Silesian-Cracow district was determined using a newly developed ion chromatographic (IC) technique. Ionic species determined were Na+, NH+4, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Rb+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Cl-, Br-, F-, I-, PO3-4, CO2-3, HS-, S2O2-3, SO2-4, NO-3, and acetate. Mineral samples included six from the Pomorzany mine and one from the Trzebionka mine which are hosted in the Triassic Muschelkalk Formation, and two samples of drill core from mineralized Upper Devonian strata. Nine paragenetically identifiable sulfide minerals occur throughout the Silesian-Cracow district. These include from earliest to latest: early iron sulfides, granular sphalerite, early galena, light-banded sphalerite, galena, dark-banded sphalerite, iron sulfides, late dark-banded sphalerite with late galena, and late iron sulfides. Seven of the minerals were sampled for fluid inclusion analysis in this study. Only the early iron sulfides and the last galena stage were not sampled. Although the number of analyses are limited to nine samples and two replicates and there is uncertainty about the characteristics of the fluid inclusions analyzed, the data show clear temporal trends in the composition of the fluids that deposited these minerals. Fluid inclusions in minerals deposited later in the paragenesis have significantly more K+, Br-, NH+4, and acetate but less Sr2+ than those deposited earlier in the paragenesis. The later minerals are also characterized by isotopically lighter sulfur and significantly more Tl and As in the solid minerals. The change in ore-fluid chemistry is interpreted to reflect a major change in the hydrologic regime of the district. Apparently, the migrational paths of ore fluids from the Upper Silesian basin changed during ore deposition and the fluids which deposited early minerals reacted with aquifers with very different geochemical characteristics than those that deposited late minerals. The early fluids may have reacted primarily with Devonian and Lower Carboniferous carbonate aquifers deeper in the basin, whereas the later fluids appear to have had extensive contact with organic-rich rocks, probably the shallower Middle and Upper Carboniferous flysch associated with coal measures. High concentrations of toxic Tl and As occur in the readily oxidized marcasite and pyrite minerals deposited by the later fluids. In general, the geochemistry of both the early and late fluids may be explained by an evaporite related origin or by water-rock modification of a saline basinal brine. When compared to the composition of fluid inclusions in Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) ore minerals from the Ozark region of the United States, fluid inclusions in minerals from Silesian-Cracow are fundamentally different, containing more Ca2+, Mg2+, NH+4, Br-, Sr2+ and acetate in all mineral stages with significantly more K+ in later stage minerals. The differences in ore fluid chemistry between the two regions are consistent with the lithologic differences of the respective basins thought to be the source of the mineralizing brines.

Explosibility of Metal Powders

DTIC Science & Technology

1964-01-01

299 1832 - Copper ore, sulfide , Mexic.................................................- - 100 - - - 300 1873 - Iron ore, magnetite...100 - - - 302 2076.............................................. do...................................... - - 100 - - - 303 749 - Iron ore, sulfide ...9 Pyrophoricity ............................................................... 9 Prevention of ignition and explosion

Crystalline Silicates in Comets: Modeling Irregularly-Shaped Forsterite Crystals and Its Implications on Condensation Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wooden, Diane H.; Lindsay, Sean S.

2011-01-01

Crystalline silicates in comets are a product of the condensation in the hot inner regions (T > or approx. equals 1400 K [1]) of our proto-planetary disk or annealing at somewhat lower temperatures (T > or approx. equals 1000-1200 K) [2, 3, 4] in shocks coupled with disk evolutionary processes that include radial transport of crystals from their formation locations out to the cold outer regions where comet nuclei formed. The grain shape of forsterite (crystals) could be indicative of their formation pathways at high temperatures through vapor-solid condensation or at lower temperatures through vapor-liquid-solid formation and growth [5, 6, 7]. Experiments demonstrate that crystals that formed from a rapidly cooled highly supersaturated silicate vapor are characterized by bulky, platy, columnar/needle and droplet shapes for values of temperature and supersaturation, T and sigma, of 1000-1450 C and < 97, 700-1000 C and 97-161, 580-820 C and 131-230, and <500 C and > 230, respectively [7]. The experimental columnar/needle shapes, which form by vapor-liquid-solid at lower temperatures (<820 C), are extended stacks of plates, where the extension is not correlated with an axial direction: columnar/needles may be extended in the c-axis or a-axis direction, can change directions, and/or are off-kilter or a bit askew extending in a combination of the a- and c-axis direction.

Polyamorphic Transformations in Fe-Ni-C Liquids: Implications for Chemical Evolution of Terrestrial Planets: Fe-Ni-C liquid structural change

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lai, Xiaojing; Chen, Bin; Wang, Jianwei

During the formation of the Earth's core, the segregation of metallic liquids from silicate mantle should have left behind evident geochemical imprints on both the mantle and the core. Some distinctive geochemical signatures of the mantle-derived rocks likely own their origin to the metal-silicate differentiation of the primitive Earth, setting our planet apart from undifferentiated meteorites as well as terrestrial planets or moons isotopically and compositionally. Understanding the chemical evolution of terrestrial planetary bodies requires knowledge on properties of both liquid iron alloys and silicates equilibrating under physicochemical conditions pertinent to the deep magma ocean. Here we report experimental andmore » computational results on the pressure-induced structural evolution of iron-nickel liquids alloyed with carbon. Our X-ray diffraction experiments up to 7.3 gigapascals (GPa) demonstrate that Fe-Ni (Fe90Ni10) liquids alloyed with 3 and 5 wt % carbon undergo a polyamorphic liquid structure transition at approximately 5 GPa. Corroborating the experimental observations, our first-principles molecular dynamic calculations reveal that the structural transitions result from the marked prevalence of three-atom face-sharing polyhedral connections in the liquids at >5 GPa. The structure and polyamorphic transitions of liquid iron-nickel-carbon alloys govern their physical and chemical properties and may thus cast fresh light on the chemical evolution of terrestrial planets and moons.« less

Polyamorphic Transformations in Fe-Ni-C Liquids: Implications for Chemical Evolution of Terrestrial Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Xiaojing; Chen, Bin; Wang, Jianwei; Kono, Yoshio; Zhu, Feng

2017-12-01

During the formation of the Earth's core, the segregation of metallic liquids from silicate mantle should have left behind evident geochemical imprints on both the mantle and the core. Some distinctive geochemical signatures of the mantle-derived rocks likely own their origin to the metal-silicate differentiation of the primitive Earth, setting our planet apart from undifferentiated meteorites as well as terrestrial planets or moons isotopically and compositionally. Understanding the chemical evolution of terrestrial planetary bodies requires knowledge on properties of both liquid iron alloys and silicates equilibrating under physicochemical conditions pertinent to the deep magma ocean. Here we report experimental and computational results on the pressure-induced structural evolution of iron-nickel liquids alloyed with carbon. Our X-ray diffraction experiments up to 7.3 gigapascals (GPa) demonstrate that Fe-Ni (Fe90Ni10) liquids alloyed with 3 and 5 wt % carbon undergo a polyamorphic liquid structure transition at approximately 5 GPa. Corroborating the experimental observations, our first-principles molecular dynamic calculations reveal that the structural transitions result from the marked prevalence of three-atom face-sharing polyhedral connections in the liquids at >5 GPa. The structure and polyamorphic transitions of liquid iron-nickel-carbon alloys govern their physical and chemical properties and may thus cast fresh light on the chemical evolution of terrestrial planets and moons.

Electron Microscopic Analysis of Surface Inorganic Substances on Oral and Combustible Tobacco Products.

PubMed

Halstead, Mary M; Watson, Clifford H; Pappas, R Steven

2015-01-01

Although quantitative trace toxic metal analyses have been performed on tobacco products, little has been published on inorganic particulate constituents on and inside the products. We analyzed these constituents using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The nature of SEM-EDS instrumentation makes it an ideal choice for inorganic particulate analyses and yields relevant information to potential exposures during consumption of oral tobacco products, and possibly as a consequence of smoking. Aluminum silicates, silica and calcium compounds were common inorganic particulate constituents of tobacco products. Aluminum silicates and silica from soil were found on external leaf surfaces. Phytolithic silica, found in the lumen of the plant leaf, is of biogenic origin. Calcium oxalate was also apparently of biogenic origin. Small mineral deposits on tobacco could have health implications. Minerals found on the surfaces of smokeless tobacco products could possibly abrade the oral mucosa and contribute to the oral inflammatory responses observed with smokeless tobacco product use. If micron and sub-micron size calcium particles on cigarette filler were transported in mainstream smoke, they could potentially induce a pulmonary irritant inflammation when inhaled. The transport of aluminum silicate and silica in smoke could potentially also contribute to chronic inflammatory disease. Published by Oxford University Press 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Use of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria for the improvement of copper extraction from a low-grade ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darezereshki, E.; Schaffie, M.; Lotfalian, M.; Seiedbaghery, S. A.; Ranjbar, M.

2011-04-01

Bioleaching was examined for copper extraction from a low grade ore using mesophilic and moderate thermophilic bacteria. Five equal size columns were used for the leaching of the ore. Sulfuric acid solution with a flow rate of 3.12 L·m-2·h-1 and pH 1.5 passed through each column continuously for 90 d. In the first and the second column, bioleaching was performed without agglomeration of the ore and on the agglomerated ore, respectively. 28wt% of the copper was extracted in the first column after 40 d, while this figure was 38wt% in the second column. After 90 d, however, the overall extractions were almost the same for both of them. Bioleaching with mesophilic bacteria was performed in the third column without agglomeration of the ore and in the fourth column on the agglomerated ore. After 40 d, copper extractions in the third and the fourth columns were 62wt% and 70wt%, respectively. Copper extractions were 75wt% for both the columns after 90 d. For the last column, bioleaching was performed with moderate thermophilic bacteria and agglomerated ore. Copper extractions were 80wt% and 85wt% after 40 and 90 d, respectively. It was concluded that crushing and agglomeration of the ore using bacteria could enhance the copper extraction considerably.

26 CFR 1.272-1 - Expenditures relating to disposal of coal or domestic iron ore.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... domestic iron ore. 1.272-1 Section 1.272-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Expenditures relating to disposal of coal or domestic iron ore. (a) Introduction. Section 272 provides special... sometimes referred to as a “coal royalty contract” or “iron ore royalty contract”) for the disposal of coal...

26 CFR 1.272-1 - Expenditures relating to disposal of coal or domestic iron ore.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... domestic iron ore. 1.272-1 Section 1.272-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Expenditures relating to disposal of coal or domestic iron ore. (a) Introduction. Section 272 provides special... sometimes referred to as a “coal royalty contract” or “iron ore royalty contract”) for the disposal of coal...

3. EAGLE MILL, DETAIL OF CRUDE ORE BIN FROM NORTH, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. EAGLE MILL, DETAIL OF CRUDE ORE BIN FROM NORTH, c. 1908-10. SHOWS EXPOSED CRUSHER HOUSE IN FRONT OF (SOUTH) CRUDE ORE BIN AND SNOW SHED ADDED OVER TRAM TRACKS. NOTE LACK OF EAST OR WEST CRUDE ORE BINS. CREDIT JW. - Bald Mountain Gold Mill, Nevada Gulch at head of False Bottom Creek, Lead, Lawrence County, SD

IMPACT: How ORE Findings Have Affected Decisions in Austin and Beyond.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, David, Ed.; Ligon, Glynn, Ed.

Over the years, findings of the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) have had a significant impact on decisions made in the district and sometimes beyond it. The ORE's impact in the AISD is reviewed in 16 areas. Some of the major findings are summarized: (1) ORE studies of retention in…

75 FR 68788 - Ore Knob Mine Superfund Site; Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina; Notice of Settlement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-09

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [Docket EPA-RO4-SFUND-2010-0893, FRL-9223-8] Ore Knob Mine... Agency has entered into a settlement for reimbursement of past response costs concerning the Ore Knobe..., identified by Docket ID No. EPA-RO4- SFUND-2010-0893 or Site name Ore Knob Mine Superfund Site by one of the...

Microwave enhanced recovery of nickel-copper ore: communition and floatability aspects.

PubMed

Henda, R; Hermas, A; Gedye, R; Islam, M R

2005-01-01

A study describing the effect of microwave radiation, at a frequency of 2450 MHz, on the processes of communication and flotation of a complex sulphide nickel-copper ore is presented. Ore communication has been investigated under standard radiation-free conditions and after ore treatment in a radiated environment as a function of ore size, exposure time to radiation, and microwave power. The findings show that communication is tremendously improved by microwave radiation with values of the relative work index as low as 23% at a microwave power of 1.406 kW and after 10 s of exposure time. Communication is affected by exposure time and microwave power in a nontrivial manner. In terms of ore floatability, the experimental tests have been carried out on a sample of 75 microm in size under different exposure times. The results show that both ore concentrate recoveries and grades of nickel and copper are significantly enhanced after microwave treatment of the ore with relative increases in recovered concentrate, grade of nickel, and grade of copper of 26 wt%, 15 wt%, and 27%, respectively, at a microwave power of 1330 kW and after 30 s of exposure time.

Selective Removal of Iron from Low-Grade Ti Ore by Reacting with Calcium Chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jungshin; Okabe, Toru H.

2017-02-01

Recently, titanium metal production by molten salt electrolysis using CaCl2 as molten salt and TiO2 or rutile (94 to 96 pct TiO2) as feedstock has been drawing attention. However, when a low-grade Ti ore (mainly FeTiO3) is used as feedstock, removal of iron (Fe) from the ore is indispensable. In this study, the influence of reaction temperature, reaction time, particle size of the ore, and source country for the ore on the removal of iron by selective chlorination using CaCl2 was assessed. Experimental results showed that the mass percent of iron in the ore decreased from 49.7 to 1.79 pct under certain conditions by selective removal of iron as FeCl2. As a result, high-grade CaTiO3 was produced when the ore particles smaller than 74 µm reacted with CaCl2 at 1240 K (967 °C) for 8 to 10 hours. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the removal of iron from the ore is feasible through the selective chlorination process using CaCl2 by optimizing the variables.

Remote sensing strategic exploration of large or superlarge gold ore deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Shouxun; Liu, Qingsheng; Wang, Hongmei; Wang, Zhigang; Liu, Suhong

1998-08-01

To prospect large or superlarge gold ore deposits, blending of remote sensing techniques and modern metallogenitic theories is one of the effective measures. The theory of metallogeny plays a director role before and during remote sensing technique applications. The remote sensing data with different platforms and different resolutions can be respectively applied to detect direct or indirect metallogenic information, and to identify the ore-controlling structure, especially, the ore-controlling structural assemblage, which, conversely, usually are the new conditions to study and to modify the metallogenic model, and to further develop the exploration model of large or superlarge ore deposits. Guidance by an academic idea of 'adjustment structure' which is the conceptual model of transverse structure, an obscured ore- controlling transverse structure has been identified on the refined TM imagery in the Hadamengou gold ore deposit, Setai Hyperspectral Geological Remote Sensing Testing Site (SHGRSTS), Wulashan mountains, Inner Mongolia, China. Meanwhile, The MAIS data has been applied to quickly identify the auriferous alteration rocks with Correspondence Analysis method and Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) technique. The theoretical system and technical method of remote sensing strategic exploration of large or superlarge gold ore deposits have been demonstrated by the practices in the SHGRSTS.

The North American iron ore industry: a decade into the 21st century

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jorgenson, John D.; Perez, A. A

2011-01-01

During the 20th century, the iron ore mining industries of Canada and the United States passed through periods of transformation. The beginning of the 21st century has seen another period of transformation, with the failure of a number of steel companies and with consolidation of control within the North American iron ore industry. Canadian and United States iron ore production and the market control structure involved are changing rapidly. Consolidation of ownership, formation of foreign joint ventures, divestitures of upstream activities by steelmakers, and industry changes to ensure availability of feedstocks all played a role in recent developments in the North American iron ore industry. Canadian and U.S. iron ore operations and their strong linkage to downstream production, although isolated, must also be considered within the context of the changing global economy. Projects using new technology to produce direct reduced iron nuggets of 96-98% iron content and other projects designed to produce steel at minesites may once again change the face of the iron ore industry. Social and environmental issues related to sustainable development have had a significant effect on the North American iron ore industry.

Stochastic production phase design for an open pit mining complex with multiple processing streams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asad, Mohammad Waqar Ali; Dimitrakopoulos, Roussos; van Eldert, Jeroen

2014-08-01

In a mining complex, the mine is a source of supply of valuable material (ore) to a number of processes that convert the raw ore to a saleable product or a metal concentrate for production of the refined metal. In this context, expected variation in metal content throughout the extent of the orebody defines the inherent uncertainty in the supply of ore, which impacts the subsequent ore and metal production targets. Traditional optimization methods for designing production phases and ultimate pit limit of an open pit mine not only ignore the uncertainty in metal content, but, in addition, commonly assume that the mine delivers ore to a single processing facility. A stochastic network flow approach is proposed that jointly integrates uncertainty in supply of ore and multiple ore destinations into the development of production phase design and ultimate pit limit. An application at a copper mine demonstrates the intricacies of the new approach. The case study shows a 14% higher discounted cash flow when compared to the traditional approach.

Nanocrystalline Iron-Ore-Based Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.

PubMed

Yong, Seok; Park, Ji Chan; Lee, Ho-Tae; Yang, Jung-Il; Hong, SungJun; Jung, Heon; Chun, Dong Hyun

2016-02-01

Nanocrystalline iron ore particles were fabricated by a wet-milling process using an Ultra Apex Mill, after which they were used as raw materials of iron-based catalysts for low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) below 280 degrees C, which usually requires catalysts with a high surface area, a large pore volume, and a small crystallite size. The wet-milling process using the Ultra Apex Mill effectively destroyed the initial crystallite structure of the natural iron ores of several tens to hundreds of nanometers in size, resulting in the generation of nanocrystalline iron ore particles with a high surface area and a large pore volume. The iron-ore-based catalysts prepared from the nanocrystalline iron ore particles effectively catalyzed the low-temperature FTS, displaying a high CO conversion (about 90%) and good C5+ hydrocarbon productivity (about 0.22 g/g(cat)(-h)). This demonstrates the feasibility of using the iron-ore-based catalysts as inexpensive and disposable catalysts for the low-temperature FTS.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ober, J.

1998-01-01

The lithium industry can be divided into two sectors: ore concentrate producers and chemical producers. Ore concentrate producers mine lithium minerals. They beneficiate the ores to produce material for use in ceramics and glass manufacturing.

Difference in rockburst hazard in ore and coal mines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovchikov, AV

2018-03-01

In the Russian mining and engineering literature, in most cases, there is no difference in the assessment of the rockburst hazards in metal and coal mines. Nevertheless, it exists, in view of the difference in geological and geotechnical conditions of coal and ore deposits. Since ore deposits occur in the solid magmatic or metamorphic rock masses, the strongest induced earthquakes are much more powerful in ore mines than in coal mines. The main difference of rockbursting lies in the difference of natural stress state: gravity stress state in the coal fields and gravity-and-tectonic stress state in ore mines. The actual stresses are mostly vertical in the first case and horizontal in the second case, which conditions the difference in rockburst hazard in coal and ore mines.

SEVENTH INTERIM STATUS REPORT: MODEL 9975 PCV O-RING FIXTURE LONG-TERM LEAK PERFORMANCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daugherty, W.

2012-08-30

A series of experiments to monitor the aging performance of Viton® GLT O-rings used in the Model 9975 package has been ongoing since 2004 at the Savannah River National Laboratory. Seventy tests using mock-ups of 9975 Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs) were assembled and heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 450 ºF. They were leak-tested initially and have been tested periodically to determine if they meet the criterion of leak-tightness defined in ANSI standard N14.5-97. Fourteen additional tests were initiated in 2008 with GLT-S O-rings heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 400 ºF. High temperature aging continues for 23more » GLT O-ring fixtures at 200 – 270 ºF. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all of the GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 350 ºF and higher temperatures, and in 8 fixtures aging at 300 ºF. The remaining GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 300 ºF have been retired from testing following more than 5 years at temperature without failure. No failures have yet been observed in GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 200 ºF for 54-72 months, which is still bounding to O-ring temperatures during storage in K-Area Complex (KAC). Based on expectations that the fixtures aging at 200 ºF will remain leak-tight for a significant period yet to come, 2 additional fixtures began aging in 2011 at an intermediate temperature of 270 ºF, with hopes that they may reach a failure condition before the 200 ºF fixtures. High temperature aging continues for 6 GLT-S O-ring fixtures at 200 – 300 ºF. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all 8 of the GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 350 and 400 ºF. No failures have yet been observed in GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 200 - 300 ºF for 30 - 36 months. For O-ring fixtures that have failed the room temperature leak test and been disassembled, the O-rings displayed a compression set ranging from 51 – 96%. This is greater than seen to date for any packages inspected during KAC field surveillance (24% average). For GLT O-rings, separate service life estimates have been made based on the O-ring fixture leak test data and based on compression stress relaxation (CSR) data. These two predictive models show reasonable agreement at higher temperatures (350 – 400 ºF). However, at 300 ºF, the room temperature leak test failures to date experienced longer aging times than predicted by the CSRbased model. This suggests that extrapolations of the CSR model predictions to temperatures below 300 ºF will provide a conservative prediction of service life relative to the leak rate criterion. Leak test failure data at lower temperatures are needed to verify this apparent trend. Insufficient failure data exist currently to perform a similar comparison for GLT-S O-rings. Aging and periodic leak testing will continue for the remaining PCV O-ring fixtures.« less

The Early Differentiation History of Mars from W-182-Nd-142 Isotope Systematics in the SNC Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foley, C. Nicole; Wadhwa, M.; Borg, L. E.; Janney, P. E.; Hines, R.; Grove, T. L.

2005-01-01

We report here the results of an investigation of W and Nd isotopes in the SNC (Shergottite-Nakhlite-Chassignite (martian)) meteorites. We have determined that epsilon W-182 values in the nakhlites are uniform within analytical uncertainties and have an average value of approx. 3. Also, while epsilon W-182 values in the shergottites have a limited range (from 0.3-0.7), their epsilon Nd-142 values vary considerably (from -0.2-0.9). There appears to be no correlation between epsilon W-182 and epsilon Nd-142 in the nakhlites and shergottites. These results shed new light on early differentiation processes on Mars, particularly on the timing and nature of fractionation in silicate reservoirs. Assuming a two-stage model, the metallic core is estimated to have formed at approx. 12 Myr after the beginning of the solar system. Major silicate differentiation established the nakhlite source reservoir before approx. 4542 Ma and the shergottite source reservoirs at 4525 [sup +19 sub -21] Ma. These ages imply that, within the uncertainties afforded by the Hf-182-W-182 and Sm-146-Nd-142 chronometers, the silicate differentiation events that established the source reservoirs of the nakhlites and shergottites may have occurred contemporaneously, possibly during crystallization of a global magma ocean. The distinct W-182-Nd-142 isotope systematics in the nakhlites and the shergottites imply the presence of at least three isotopically distinct silicate reservoirs on Mars, two of which are depleted in incompatible lithophile elements relative to chondrites, and the third is enriched. The two depleted silicate reservoirs most likely reside in the Martian mantle, while the enriched reservoir could be either in the crust or the mantle. Therefore, the W-182-Nd-142 isotope systematics indicate that the nakhlites and the shergottites originated from distinct source reservoirs and cannot be petrogenetically related. A further implication is that the source reservoirs of the nakhlites and shergottites on Mars have been isolated since their establishment before approx. 4.5 Ga. Therefore, there has been no giant impact or efficient global mantle convection to thoroughly homogenize the Martian mantle following the establishment of the SNC source reservoirs.

The Origin of Chondrites: Metal-Silicate Separation Experiments Under Microgravity Conditions, Experiment 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, S. R.; Franzen, M.; Benoit, P. H.; Sears, D. W. G.; Holley, A.; Myers, M.; Godsey, R.; Czlapinski, J.

2003-01-01

Chondrites are categorized into different groups by several properties, including the metal-to-silicate ratio. Various processes have been suggested to produce distinct metal/silicate ratios, some based on sorting in the early solar nebular and others occurring after accretion on the parent body. Huang et al. suggested that a weak gravitational field accompanied by degassing, could result in metal/silicate separation on parent bodies. We suggest that asteroids were volatile-rich, at least early in their histories. Spectroscopic evidence from asteroid surfaces indicates that one-third of all asteroids maybe rich in clays and hydrated minerals, similar to carbonaceous chondrites. Internal and/or external heating could have caused volatiles to evaporate and pass through a surface dust layer. Spacecraft images of asteroids show they have a thick regoliths. Housen, and Asphaug and Nolan proposed that even a 10 km diameter asteroid could potentially have a significant regolith. Grain size and grain density sorting could occur in the unconsolidated layer by the process known as fluidization. This process occurs when an upward stream of gas is passed through a bed of particles which are lifted against a gravitational force. Fluidization is commonly used commercially to sort particulates. This type of behavior is based upon the bed, as a whole, and differs from aerodynamic sorting. Two sets of reduced gravity experiments were conducted during parabolic flights aboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft. The first experiment employed 310 tubes of 2.5 cm diameter, containing mixtures of sand and metal grains. A gas source was used to fluidize the mixture at reduced gravity conditions and mixtures were analyzed after the flight. However, this experiment did not allow a description of the fluidization as a function of gravity. A second experiment was conducted on the KC-135 aircraft in the summer of 2001, consisting of two Plexiglas cylinders containing a metal/silicate mixture, and video cameras to record the experiment on tape. Here we summarize this experiment and discusses the implications for metalsilicate separation on asteroid bodies.

Recalescence during crystallization of stardust: Resolution of the amorphous interstellar medium paradox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whittington, A. G.; Sehlke, A.; Speck, A. K.

2017-12-01

Dust that coalesces to form planetary systems originates around dying stars, before passing into the interstellar medium (ISM). Historically, observations of broad smooth features in the 10-µm region suggested that dust in circumstellar regions, and in the ISM, was mostly amorphous rather than crystalline. With improved space telescope capabilities, crystalline silicates were discovered in the circumstellar regions around both young and old stars, although they remain undetected in the ISM. Despite intensive study the precise conditions that lead to the formation of crystalline silicates are still unknown, and their absence in the ISM remains problematic. Here we show that recalescence (spontaneous reheating) of rapidly crystallizing dust can explain the formation and apparent disappearance of crystalline silicates in space. We have documented recalescence in rapidly crystallizing Mg-rich silicate melts, with local heating at the crystallization front exceeding 160˚C in some cases. In circumstellar dust shells, amorphous grains with similar compositions condense at temperatures near their glass transition, and if they crystallize, they will recalesce. The higher temperature (T) of newly crystallized dust allows crystalline spectral features to be seen, because flux emitted depends on T4. After cooling to ambient temperature, crystalline spectral features in the ISM are concealed by volumetrically dominant amorphous dust. Our results explain the existence of crystalline silicate pre-solar grains, which are older than the solar system, and have implications for radiative transfer modeling and hydrodynamics of dusty environments, which are sensitive to small variations in optical properties. Our observations of mm-scale temperature differences up to 100˚C in cooling lava suggest that thermal imaging of basaltic lava flows needs to be conducted with mm-scale spatial resolution (see figure; crucible is 5mm diameter). Temperatures recorded with low spatial resolution, which average cooler melt and hotter crystals in a single pixel, will systematically overestimate the temperature of the liquid phase. Only the surface of a lava flow is likely to cool quickly enough for recalescence to occur, but this is precisely the part of the lava that is monitored by thermal imaging.

Review of samples of tailings, soils and stream sediment adjacent to and downstream from the Ruth Mine, Inyo County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rytuba, James J.; Kim, Christopher S.; Goldstein, Daniel N.

2011-01-01

The Ruth Mine and mill are located in the western Mojave Desert in Inyo County, California (fig. 1). The mill processed gold-silver (Au-Ag) ores mined from the Ruth Au-Ag deposit, which is adjacent to the mill site. The Ruth Au-Ag deposit is hosted in Mesozoic intrusive rocks and is similar to other Au-Ag deposits in the western Mojave Desert that are associated with Miocene volcanic centers that formed on a basement of Mesozoic granitic rocks (Bateman, 1907; Gardner, 1954; Rytuba, 1996). The volcanic rocks consist of silicic domes and associated flows, pyroclastic rocks, and subvolcanic intrusions (fig. 2) that were emplaced into Mesozoic silicic intrusive rocks (Troxel and Morton, 1962). The Ruth Mine is on Federal land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Tailings from the mine have been eroded and transported downstream into Homewood Canyon and then into Searles Valley (figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6). The BLM provided recreational facilities at the mine site for day-use hikers and restored and maintained the original mine buildings in collaboration with local citizen groups for use by visitors (fig. 7). The BLM requested that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with Chapman University, measure arsenic (As) and other geochemical constituents in soils and tailings at the mine site and in stream sediments downstream from the mine in Homewood Canyon and in Searles Valley (fig. 3). The request was made because initial sampling of the site by BLM staff indicated high concentrations of As in tailings and soils adjacent to the Ruth Mine. This report summarizes data obtained from field sampling of mine tailings and soils adjacent to the Ruth Mine and stream sediments downstream from the mine on June 7, 2009. Our results permit a preliminary assessment of the sources of As and associated chemical constituents that could potentially impact humans and biota.

Alteration geochemistry of the volcanic-hosted Dedeninyurdu, Yergen and Fındıklıyar Fe-Cu mineralization at Gökçedoǧan, Çorum-Kargi region, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gumus, Lokman; Öztürk, Sercan; Yalçın, Cihan; Abdelnasser, Amr; Hanilçi, Nurullah; Kumral, Mustafa

2016-04-01

This study is to determine the mass/volume gain and loss of the major and trace elements during the alteration processes on Dedeninyurdu, Yergen and Fındıklıyar Fe-Cu mineralizations of the area. Fe-Cu mineralization occurred in the spilitic volcanic a rock of Saraycık Formation is associated with the different types of alteration zones which are pyritization, silicification and sericitization. The study area comprises Bekirli Formation, Saraycık Formation, Beşpınar Formation, and Ilgaz Formation. Saraycık formation consists of spilitic volcanic rocks with pelagic limestone, siltstone and chert. The ore mineralogical data show that the pyrite, chalcopyrite, covellite, hematite, malachite and goethite formed during three phases of mineralization. As well as the geologic and petrographic studies reveal three alteration zones with definite mineral assemblages; phyllic alteration (quartz + sericite + pyrite) that represents the main alteration and mineralized zone; propylitic alteration; and carbonatized sericitic alteration zone. The boundaries between these zones are gradual. Mass balance calculations suggested that the phyllic alteration zone represented by gain in Si, Fe, K, S, and LOI and loss in Mg, Ca, and Na refers to silicification, sericitization and pyritization as well as replacement of Fe-Mg silicate and plagioclase. While, in the propylitic alteration zone, enrichment of Si, Fe, Mg, LOI and S occurred with depletions of Ca, Na, and K reflecting chloritization alteration type. On the other hand, carbonatized sericitic alteration zone shows local gain in Si, CaO and K reflects the occurrence of calc-silicate alteration. All alteration zones contain a large proportion of sulfide minerals (gain in S) with increase in loss on ignition (LOI). Keywords: Alteration geochemistry; Mass balance calculation, Fe-Cu mineralization; phyllic alteration, propylitic alteration.

Pyroxenes and olivines: Structural implications of shock-wave data for high pressure phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeanloz, R.; Ahrens, T. J.

1975-01-01

The nature of the shock-induced, high-pressure phases of olivine and pyroxene rocks is examined in the light of data for the densities of a new class of perovskite-related silicate structures. Also examined are some new Hugoniot and release adiabat data for bronzite. Reexamining available shock data for magnesian pyroxenes and olivines leads to the conclusion that they define a mixed phase (or disequilibrium) region to about the 100 GPa range, related to the kinetics of phase transformation in these silicates. By recognizing this point, certain discrepancies in previous interpretations of shock data can be explained. A set of theoretical Hugonoits for pyroxene and olivine stoichiometry, perovskite-bearing assemblages was constructed based on their properties deduced from high-pressure work, showing that the shock data is compatible with transformations to perovskites in the 45-7GPa region. Finally, the shock data indicate very similar properties for olivine and pyroxene at high pressures making them both equally likely candidates for the lower mantle.

Prediction of ore fluid metal concentrations from solid solution concentrations in ore-stage calcite: Application to the Illinois-Kentucky and Central Tennessee Mississippi Valley-type districts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith-Schmitz, Sarah E.; Appold, Martin S.

2018-03-01

Knowledge of the concentrations of Zn and Pb in Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) ore fluids is fundamental to understanding MVT deposit origin. Most previous attempts to quantify the concentrations of Zn and Pb in MVT ore fluids have focused on the analysis of fluid inclusions. However, these attempts have yielded ambiguous results due to possible contamination from secondary fluid inclusions, interferences from Zn and Pb in the host mineral matrix, and uncertainties about whether the measured Zn and Pb signals represent aqueous solute or accidental solid inclusions entrained within the fluid inclusions. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to try to determine Zn and Pb concentrations in MVT ore fluids using an alternate method that avoids these ambiguities by calculating Zn and Pb concentrations in MVT ore fluids theoretically based on their solid solution concentrations in calcite. This method was applied to the Illinois-Kentucky and Central Tennessee districts, which both contain ore-stage calcite. Experimental partition coefficient (D) values from Rimstidt et al. (1998) and Tsusue and Holland (1966), and theoretical thermodynamic distribution coefficient (KD) values were employed in the present study. Ore fluid concentrations of Zn were likely most accurately predicted by Rimstidt et al. (1998) D values, based on their success in predicting known fluid inclusion concentrations of Mg and Mn, and likely also most accurately predicted ore fluid concentrations of Fe. All four of these elements have a divalent ionic radius smaller than that of Ca2+ and form carbonate minerals with the calcite structure. For both the Illinois-Kentucky and the Central Tennessee district, predicted ore fluid Zn and Fe concentrations were on the order of up to 10's of ppm. Ore fluid concentrations of Pb could only be predicted using Rimstidt et al. (1998) D values. However, these concentrations are unlikely to be reliable, as predicted ore fluid concentrations of Sr and Ba, which like Pb also have a divalent ionic radius larger than that of Ca2+ and form carbonate minerals with the aragonite structure, did not consistently agree well with known concentrations of Sr and Ba in fluid inclusions. The ore fluid Zn concentrations predicted in the present study lie within the range of Zn concentrations typical of modern sedimentary brines and are high enough to allow deposition of the observed amounts of Zn in the Illinois-Kentucky and Central Tennessee districts within ranges of geologically reasonable times and ore fluid flow velocities. If the pH of the Illinois-Kentucky and Central pH ore fluids was as low as current evidence suggests to be possible, then these ore fluids could simultaneously have transported enough sulfide with their Zn to account for the observed amounts of sphalerite in the districts.

Ores and Climate Change - Primary Shareholders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, Holly J.; Hannah, Judith L.

2015-04-01

Many in the economic geology community concern themselves with details of ore formation at the deposit scale, whether tallying fluid inclusion data to get at changes in ore-forming fluids or defining structures that aid and abet mineralization. These compilations are generally aimed at interpretation of events at the site of ore formation, with the goal being assignment of the deposit to a sanctioned ore deposit model. While providing useful data, this approach is incomplete and does not, by itself, serve present-day requirements for true interdisciplinary science. The ore-forming environment is one of chaos and disequilibrium at nearly all scales (Stein, 2014). Chaos and complexity are documented by variably altered rocks, veins or disseminated mineralization with multi-generational fluid histories, erratic and unusual textures in host rocks, and the bitumen or other hydrocarbon products entwined within many ore deposits. This should give pause to our drive for more data as a means to find "the answer". The answer lies in the kind of data collected and more importantly, in the way we interpret those data. Rather than constructing an ever-increasing catalog of descriptive mutations on sanctioned ore deposit models (e.g., IOGC or Iron-Oxide Copper Gold deposits), the way forward is to link source and transport of metals, sulfur, and organic material with regional and ultimately whole Earth chemical evolution. Important experimental work provides chemical constraints in controlled and behaved environments. To these data, we add imagination and interpretation, always tying back to field observations. In this paper, several key points are made by way of ore deposit examples: (1) many IOCG deposits are outcomes of profound changes in the chemistry of the Earth's surface, in the interplay of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere; (2) the redox history of Fe in deep earth may be ultimately expressed in the ore-forming sequence; and (3) the formation of many giant Cu-Mo-Au ore deposits may be arrested when the surface is catastrophically breached, as multiple km-scale breccia pipes empty their volatile and metal contents into the atmosphere. The new equation for studying ore geology should be one that reconstructs ore formation from beginning to end, that is, from source, release, and transport, to breach. Of course, detailed measurements and mapping of ore bodies remains essential, but a full understanding of metal migration and budgets can only be achieved if we model what might have been left behind in deeper Earth, and what may have been lost to the atmosphere. To do this, we need to understand much more than the geology at our ore deposit of interest. Stein, H.J. (2014) Dating and Tracing the History of Ore Formation. Treatise on Geochemistry 13: 87-118. Elsevier. Support for time to think - CHRONOS, funded by a consortium of Norwegian petroleum companies.

Impact of solvent extraction organics on adsorption and bioleaching of A. ferrooxidans and L. ferriphilum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hualong, Yu; Xiaorong, Liu

2017-04-01

Copper solvent extraction entrained and dissoluted organics (SX organics) in the raffinate during SX operation can contaminated chalcopyrite ores and influence bioleaching efficiency by raffinate recycling. The adsorption and bioleaching of A. ferrooxidans and L. ferriphilum with contaminated ores were investigated. The results showed that, A. ferrooxidans and L. ferriphilum cells could adsorb quickly on minerals, the adsorption rate on contaminated ores were 83% and 60%, respectively, larger than on uncontaminated ores. However, in the bioleaching by the two kinds of acid bacterias, contaminated ores presented a lower bioleaching efficiency.

O-Ring sealing arrangements for ultra-high vacuum systems

DOEpatents

Kim, Chang-Kyo; Flaherty, Robert

1981-01-01

An all metal reusable O-ring sealing arrangement for sealing two concentric tubes in an ultra-high vacuum system. An O-ring of a heat recoverable alloy such as Nitinol is concentrically positioned between protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes. The O-ring is installed between the tubes while in a stressed martensitic state and is made to undergo a thermally induced transformation to an austenitic state. During the transformation the O-ring expands outwardly and contracts inwardly toward a previously sized austenitic configuration, thereby sealing against the protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes.

Antimony ore in the Fairbanks district, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Killeen, Pemberton Lewis; Mertie, John B.

1951-01-01

Antimony-bearing ores in the Fairbanks district, Alaska, are found principally in two areas, the extremities of which are at points 10 miles west and 23 miles northeast of Fairbanks; and one of two minor areas lies along this same trend 30 miles farther to the northeast. These areas are probably only local manifestations of mineralization that affected a much broader area and formed antimony-bearing deposits in neighboring districts, the closest of which is 50 miles away. The ores were exposed largely as a result of lode gold mining, but at two periods in the past, high prices for antimony ore warranted an independent production and about 2500 tons of stibnite ore was shipped. The sulfide deposits occupy the same fractures along which a gold-quartz mineralization of greater economic importance occurred; and both are probably genetically related to igneous rocks which intrude the schistose country rock. The sulfide is in part contemporaneous with some late-stage quartz in which it occurs as disseminated crystals; and in part the latest filling in the mineralized zones where it forms kidney-shaped masses of essentially solid sulfide. One extremely long mass must have contained nearly 100 tons of ore, but the average of the larger kidneys is closer to several tons. Much of the ore is stibnite, with quartz as a minor impurity, and assays show the tenor to vary from 40 to 65 percent antimony. Sulphantimonites are less abundant but likewise occur as disseminated crystals and as kidney-shaped bodies. Antimony oxides appear on the weathered surface and along fractures within the sulfide ore. Deposits containing either stibnite or sulphantimonite are known at more than 50 localities, but only eighteen have produced ore and the bulk of this came from the mines. The geology of the deposit, and the nature, extent, and period of the workings are covered in the detailed descriptions of individual occurrences. Several geologic and economic factors, which greatly affect prospecting and mining for stibnite ore in the area, are outlined. The principal available ore and reserves are considered to be ores earlier mined but never shipped, ore minable from near-surface deposits, and ores recoverable as a by-product of future gold mining. The outlook for stibnite production in the district is very uncertain. Apparently the greater portion of stibnite ore has already been recovered and present operations will strip the two principal areas of the district. This conclusion is based on the scanty discoveries since the last war and the fact that the areas are so pock-marked with prospects that there is little likelihood that any other large near-surface bodies remain to be discovered. Future prospecting would essentially be limited to attempts to seek the continuation of lodes previously having high yields of stibnite.

40 CFR 440.10 - Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... or its mode of occurrence; (b) mills beneficiating iron ores by physical (magnetic and nonmagnetic) and/or chemical separation; and (c) mills beneficiating iron ores by magnetic and physical separation...

40 CFR 440.10 - Applicability; description of the iron ore subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... or its mode of occurrence; (b) mills beneficiating iron ores by physical (magnetic and nonmagnetic) and/or chemical separation; and (c) mills beneficiating iron ores by magnetic and physical separation...

The future of the application of the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test in Sports Psychology.

PubMed

Ozerkan, Kemal Nuri

2005-01-01

The Bi-Digital O-Ring Test, originally developed by Dr. Omura, utilizes changes in the degree of strength of voluntary movements of muscles of the fingers under a definite muscle tonus, making Bi-Digital O-Rings, as an indicator of pathology in the body. Research in Sports Psychology can use the classical measurement methods and Bi-Digital O-Ring Test method comparatively and thus produce new findings regarding the reliability and certainty of the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test test. It seems probable that by using the non-invasive Bi-Digital O-Ring Test test, it is possible to measure enzymes, hormones and neuro-transmitters instantaneously and assess a sports person's actual psychological and physiological performance, and thereby help them reach their peak performance levels during both exercise and competitions.

Lunar breccias, petrology, and earth planetary structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ridley, W. I.

1978-01-01

Topics covered include: (1) petrologic studies of poikiloblastic textured rocks; (2) petrology of aluminous mare basalts in breccia 14063; (3) petrology of Apollo 15 breccia 15459; (4) high-alumina mare basalts; (5) some petrological aspects of imbrium stratigraphy; (6) petrology of lunar rocks and implication to lunar evolution; (7) the crystallization trends of spinels in Tertiary basalts from Rhum and Muck and their petrogenetic significance; (8) the geology and evolution of the Cayman Trench; (9) The petrochemistry of igneous rocks from the Cayman Trench and the Captains Bay Pluton, Unalaska Island and their relation to tectonic processes at plate margins; and (10) the oxide and silicate mineral chemistry of a Kimberlite from the Premier Mine with implications for the evolution of kimberlitic magma.

Diffusion of Helium Isotopes in Silicate Glasses and Minerals: Implications for Petrogenesis and Geochronology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

the Chemistry Department, and the WHOI Education Office for providing financial support and a nice place to work. Parts of this research was funded by...and erosion studies is unknown. c 1.5 OBJECTIVES The objectives of this research are 1) to quantify the diffusive mobility of helium isotopes in...specifically tailored for the diffusion experiments. Data is recorded on a hard disk and on paper , and is automatically backed up to floppy disks

26 CFR 1.381(c)(18)-1 - Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from... Reorganizations § 1.381(c)(18)-1 Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior... section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground). Thus, an acquiring...

26 CFR 1.381(c)(18)-1 - Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from...) Insolvency Reorganizations § 1.381(c)(18)-1 Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or... the applicability of section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground...

26 CFR 1.381(c)(18)-1 - Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from... Reorganizations § 1.381(c)(18)-1 Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior... section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground). Thus, an acquiring...

26 CFR 1.381(c)(18)-1 - Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from...) Insolvency Reorganizations § 1.381(c)(18)-1 Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or... the applicability of section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground...

Application of LANDSAT satellite imagery for iron ore prospecting in the western desert of Egypt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elshazly, E. M.; Abdel-Hady, M. A.; Elghawaby, M. A.; Khawasik, S. M. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The delineation of the geological units and geological structures through image interpretation, corroborated by field observations and structural analysis, led to the discovery of new iron ore deposits. A new locality for iron ore deposition, namely Gebel Qalamun, was discovered, as well as new occurrences within the already known iron ore region of Bahariya Oasis.

26 CFR 1.381(c)(18)-1 - Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or residue of prior mining.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from...) Insolvency Reorganizations § 1.381(c)(18)-1 Depletion on extraction of ores or minerals from the waste or... the applicability of section 613(c)(3) (relating to extraction of ores or minerals from the ground...

Effect of temperature and O-ring gland finish on sealing ability of Viton V747-75

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lach, Cynthia L.

1993-01-01

As a part of the redesign project of the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor (SRM) following the Challenger accident, the field joint was redesigned to minimize the relative joint motion caused by internal motor pressurization during ignition. The O-ring seals and glands for the field joint were designed both to accommodate structural deflections and to promote pressure-assisted sealing. Tests were conducted in various face seal fixtures to evaluate the ability of Viton V747-75 O-rings to seal for a range of temperatures and surface finishes of the redesigned O-ring gland. The effect of surface finish on the sealing performance and wear characteristics of the O-rings was evaluated during simulated launch conditions that included low-frequency vibrations, gap openings, and rapid pressurizations. The effect of contamination on the sealing performance was also investigated. The O-rings sealed throughout the 75 deg F leak check test and for the seal tests from 50 deg F to 120 deg F for the range of surface finishes investigated. Although abrasions were found in the O-rings from pressurization against the rougher finishes, these abrasions were not detrimental to sealing. Below 50 deg F, Viton V747-75 O-rings were insufficiently resilient to track the test gap opening.

Characteristics of Crushing Energy and Fractal of Magnetite Ore under Uniaxial Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, F.; Gan, D. Q.; Zhang, Y. B.

2018-03-01

The crushing mechanism of magnetite ore is a critical theoretical problem on the controlling of energy dissipation and machine crushing quality in ore material processing. Uniaxial crushing tests were carried out to research the deformation mechanism and the laws of the energy evolution, based on which the crushing mechanism of magnetite ore was explored. The compaction stage and plasticity and damage stage are two main compression deformation stages, the main transitional forms from inner damage to fracture are plastic deformation and stick-slip. In the process of crushing, plasticity and damage stage is the key link on energy absorption for that the specimen tends to saturate energy state approaching to the peak stress. The characteristics of specimen deformation and energy dissipation can synthetically reply the state of existed defects inner raw magnetite ore and the damage process during loading period. The fast releasing of elastic energy and the work done by the press machine commonly make raw magnetite ore thoroughly broken after peak stress. Magnetite ore fragments have statistical self-similarity and size threshold of fractal characteristics under uniaxial squeezing crushing. The larger ratio of releasable elastic energy and dissipation energy and the faster energy change rate is the better fractal properties and crushing quality magnetite ore has under uniaxial crushing.

Arsenic-enriched Cu-Ni-PGE Mineralization in Wetlegs, Duluth Complex, St. Louis County, Minnesota, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raič, Sara; Mogessie, Aberra; Benkó, Zsolt; Molnár, Ferenc; Hauck, Steven; Severson, Mark

2014-05-01

The magmatic sulfide ore deposit Wetlegs is found within the troctolitic Partridge River Intrusion (PRI) of the 1.1 Ga Duluth Complex. It is of great interest, due to its highly mineralized zones containing Cu-Ni-Fe-Sulfides, platinum-group minerals (PGM) and arsenic-enriched ores. Sulfides appear as disseminated patches of primary pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, Co-rich pentlandite and cubanite within a plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene matrix. Ores associated with hydrous silicate phases are secondary chalcopyrite, arsenic-enriched minerals, PGMs like sperrylite, stibiopalladinite and other precious minerals such as clausthalite, parkerite and electrum. Based on textural relationships, mineral compositions and sulfur isotopic studies, a paragenetic sequence of ore genesis in Wetlegs could be reconstructed starting with the formation of composite sulfides such as pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, Co-enriched pentlandite and cubanite (at increased sulfur fugacity), defined as the Sulfide Stage. The Arsenide Stage is characterized by increased arsenic fugacity and a strong drop in sulfur fugacity with the following succession of precipitated minerals: 1) Monoarsenides (nickeline) found as remnants in diarsenides. 2) Diarsenides comprising members of the rammelsbergite - safflorite - loellingite solid-solution series (RSLss) and minerals of the rammelsbergite - loellingite solid-solutions series (RLss). Their crystallization temperature is between 550 and 625°C, estimated with solvus lines postulated by ROSEBOOM (1963) and GERVILLA & RØNSBO (1992) in the system CoAs2 - NiAs2 - FeAs2. This is subsequently followed by an Arsenide/Sulfide Stage which marks the formation of sulfarsenides of the cobaltite - gersdorffite solid-solution series at increased sulfur fugacity (drop in arsenic fugacity). Sulfarsenides display a clear cobalt trend from core to rim, and formed around 650°C with a decrease in temperature to ~ 500°C, documented by cobalt enriched rims, based on the solvus lines form HEM & MAKOVICKY (2004) and HEM (2006) in the system CoAsS - NiAsS - FeAsS. The presence of arsenides, sulfarsenides and graphite in footwall rocks may suggest the metasedimentary Virginia Formation as a potential source of As, Sb, and C. These elements were remobilized by hydrothermal fluids and introduced in the crystallizing magma to form arsenic-enriched Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization within the basal ultramafic rocks. δ34S of sulfides from representative samples of Wetlegs vary between 2.04 and 22.80 ‰. This suggests the involvement of crustal materials in addition to the magmatic source of sulfur in the Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization, as documented in previous studies (MOGESSIE & STUMPFL, 1992). We acknowledge financial support by the Austrian Research Fund (P23157-N21) to A. Mogessie GERVILLA, F. & RØNSBO, J. (1992): Neues Jahrb. Mineral., Monatsh. 13, pp. 193-206. HEM, S. R. (2006): Chem. Geol. 225, pp. 291-303. HEM. S. R. & MAKOVICKY, E. (2004): Canadian Mineralogist, v. 42, pp. 63-86. MOGESSIE, A. & STUMPLF, E. F. (1992): Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 39, pp. 315-325. ROSEBOOM, E. H. (1963): American Mineralogist, v. 48, pp. 271-299.

Nitrile/Buna N Material Failure Assessment for an O-Ring used on the Gaseous Hydrogen Flow Control Valve (FCV) of the Space Shuttle Main Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingard, Doug

2006-01-01

After the rollout of Space Shuttle Discovery in April 2005 in preparation for return-to-flight, there was a failure of the Orbiter (OV-103) helium signature leak test in the gaseous hydrogen (GH2) system. Leakage was attributed to the Flow Control Valve (FCV) in Main Engine 3. The FCV determined to be the source of the leak for OV-103 is designated as LV-58. The nitrile/Buna N rubber O-ring seal was removed from LV-58, and failure analysis indicated radial cracks providing leak paths in one quadrant. Cracks were eventually found in 6 of 9 FCV O-rings among the three Shuttle Orbiters, though none were as severe as those for LV-58, OV-103. Testing by EM10 at MSFC on all 9 FCV O- rings included: laser dimensional, Shore A hardness and properties from a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and an Instron tensile machine. The following test data was obtained on the cracked quadrant of the LV-58, OV-103 O-ring: (1) the estimated compression set was only 9.5%, compared to none for the rest of the O-ring; (2) Shore A hardness for the O.D. was higher by almost 4 durometer points than for the rest of the O-ring; and (3) DMA data showed that the storage/elastic modulus E was almost 25% lower than for the rest of the O-ring. Of the 8 FCV O-rings tested on an Instron, 4 yielded tensile strengths that were below the MIL spec requirement of 1350 psi-a likely influence of rubber cracking. Comparisons were made between values of modulus determined by DNA (elastic) and Instron (Young s). Each nitrile/Buna N O-ring used in the FCV conforms to the MIL-P-25732C specification. A number of such O-rings taken from shelf storage at MSFC and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) were used to generate a reference curve of DMA glass transition temperature (Tg) vs. shelf storage time ranging from 8 to 26 years. A similar reference curve of TGA onset temperature (of rubber weight loss) vs. shelf storage time was also generated. The DMA and TGA data for the used FCV O-rings were compared to the reference curves. Correlations were also made between the DMA modulus (at 22 C) and Shore A hardness for all 9 of the FCV O-rings used among the three Shuttle Orbiters. The radial cracking in the FCV O-rings was determined to be due to ozone attack, as nitrile/Buna N rubber is susceptible to such attack. Nitrile/Buna N material under MIL-P25732C should be used in a hydraulic fluid environment to help protect it from cracking. However, the FCV O-rings were used in an air only environment. The FCV design has as much as a 9-mil gap that allows the O.D. of the O-ring to be directly exposed to ozone, pressurized air and some elevated temperatures, accelerating the weathering process that leads to O-ring cracking. Space Shuttle flights will likely not continue past 2010. Therefore, Shuttle management decided to continue using the nitrile/Buna N material for the FCVs, but have each O-ring replaced after 3 years to minimize any chances for crack initiation.

Silicate calculi, a rare cause of kidney stones in children.

PubMed

Taşdemir, Mehmet; Fuçucuoğlu, Dilara; Özman, Oktay; Sever, Lale; Önal, Bülent; Bilge, Ilmay

2017-02-01

Urinary silicate calculi in humans are extremely rare. Reported cases of silicate calculi are mostly documented in adults and are commonly related to an excessive intake of magnesium trisilicate in food or drugs. Published studies on the presence of silicate calculi in children are scarce. Three cases of silicate kidney stones without prior silicate intake are reported. Two patients underwent surgical treatment, and the third patient was treated using conservative methods. Urinalysis revealed no underlying metabolic abnormalities. Analyses revealed that silicate was the major component of the stones. Siliceous deposits in urinary stones may be more common than anticipated, and the underlying pathophysiology remains to be clarified.

Intriguing Connections Between Economic Geology, the Environment, Human Health, and Disasters: Observations from my Career(s) in Transdisciplinary Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plumlee, G. S.

2015-12-01

I have been fortunate to be able to follow a varied career path from economic geology, to environmental geochemistry, to geochemistry and human health, to environmental disasters. I have been privileged to collaborate with many exceptional scientists from across and well beyond the earth sciences (e.g., public heath, engineering, economics, emergency response, microbiology). Much of this transdisciplinary work has intriguing links back to economic geology/geochemistry. Geological characteristics of different ore deposit types predictably influence the environmental and health impacts of mining, and so can help anticipate and prevent adverse impacts before they occur. Geologic maps showing potential for natural occurrences of asbestos or erionite are analogous to permissive tract maps used for mineral-resource assessments, and can be correlated with epidemiological data to help understand whether living on or near such rocks poses a risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. Mineral particles that are taken up by the human body along inhalation or incidental ingestion exposure routes are "weathered" by reactions with diverse body fluids that differ greatly in composition between and along the different exposure routes. These in vivo chemical reactions (e.g., dissolution, alteration, metal complexation, oxidation/reduction, reprecipitation) are in ways analogous to processes of ore deposit formation and weathering, and some can be shown (in collaboration with toxicologists) to play a role in toxicity. Concepts of ore petrography and paragenesis can be applied to interpret (in collaboration with pathologists) the origin, physiological implications, and toxicity effects of mineral matter in human tissue samples obtained by biopsy, transplant or autopsy. Some disaster materials can originate from mining- or mineral-processing sources, and methods originally developed to study ore deposits or mining-environmental issues can also be applied to understand many disaster materials. These examples illustrate an appropriate core role for earth scientists in transdisciplinary research: applying our expertise and toolkits to help understand topics well beyond earth sciences, but doing so in collaboration with experts from disciplines that traditionally examine those topics.

Fluid inclusion, rare earth element geochemistry, and isotopic characteristics of the eastern ore zone of the Baiyangping polymetallic Ore district, northwestern Yunnan Province, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Caixia; Bi, Xianwu; Liu, Shen; Hu, Ruizhong

2014-05-01

The Baiyangping Cu-Ag polymetallic ore district is located in the northern part of the Lanping-Simao foreland fold belt, which lies between the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan and Lancangjiang faults in western Yunnan Province, China. The source of ore-forming fluids and materials within the eastern ore zone were investigated using fluid inclusion, rare earth element (REE), and isotopic (C, O, and S) analyses undertaken on sulfides, gangue minerals, wall rocks, and ores formed during the hydrothermal stage of mineralization. These analyses indicate: (1) The presence of five types of fluid inclusion, which contain various combinations of liquid (l) and vapor (v) phases at room temperature: (a) H2O (l), (b) H2O (l) + H2O (v), (c) H2O (v), (d) CmHn (v), and (e) H2O (l) + CO2 (l), sometimes with CO2 (v). These inclusions have salinities of 1.4-19.9 wt.% NaCl equivalents, with two modes at approximately 5-10 and 16-21 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and homogenization temperatures between 101 °C and 295 °C. Five components were identified in fluid inclusions using Raman microspectrometry: H2O, dolomite, calcite, CH4, and N2. (2) Calcite, dolomitized limestone, and dolomite contain total REE concentrations of 3.10-38.93 ppm, whereas wall rocks and ores contain REE concentrations of 1.21-196 ppm. Dolomitized limestone, dolomite, wall rock, and ore samples have similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns, with ores in the Huachangshan, Xiaquwu, and Dongzhiyan ore blocks having large negative δCe and δEu anomalies, which may be indicative of a change in redox conditions during fluid ascent, migration, and/or cooling. (3) δ34S values for sphalerite, galena, pyrite, and tetrahedrite sulfide samples range from -7.3‰ to 2.1‰, a wide range that indicates multiple sulfur sources. The basin contains numerous sources of S, and deriving S from a mixture of these sources could have yielded these near-zero values, either by mixing of S from different sources, or by changes in the geological conditions of seawater sulfate reduction to sulfur. (4) The C-O isotopic analyses yield δ13C values from ca. zero to -10‰, and a wider range of δ18O values from ca. +6 to +24‰, suggestive of mixing between mantle-derived magma and marine carbonate sources during the evolution of ore-forming fluids, although potential contributions from organic carbon and basinal brine sources should also be considered. These data indicate that ore-forming fluids were derived from a mixture of organism, basinal brine, and mantle-derived magma sources, and as such, the eastern ore zone of the Baiyangping polymetallic ore deposit should be classified as a “Lanping-type” ore deposit.

SIXTH INTERIM STATUS REPORT: MODEL 9975 PCV O-RING FIXTURE LONG-TERM LEAK PERFORMANCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daugherty, W.

2011-08-31

A series of experiments to monitor the aging performance of Viton{reg_sign} GLT O-rings used in the Model 9975 package has been ongoing for seven years at the Savannah River National Laboratory. Seventy tests using mock-ups of 9975 Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs) were assembled and heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 450 F. They were leak-tested initially and have been tested periodically to determine if they meet the criterion of leak-tightness defined in ANSI standard N14.5-97. Fourteen additional tests were initiated in 2008 with GLT-S O-rings heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 400 F. High temperature aging continues formore » 33 GLT O-ring fixtures at 200-300 F. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all of the GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 350 F and higher temperatures, and in 7 fixtures aging at 300 F. No failures have yet been observed in GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 200 F for 41-60 months, which is still bounding to O-ring temperatures during storage in K-Area Complex (KAC). Based on expectations that the fixtures aging at 200 F will remain leak-tight for a significant period yet to come, 2 additional fixtures began aging within the past year at an intermediate temperature of 270 F, with hopes that they may leak before the 200 F fixtures. High temperature aging continues for 6 GLT-S O-ring fixtures at 200-300 F. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all 8 of the GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 350 and 400 F. No failures have yet been observed in GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 200-300 F for up to 26 months. For O-ring fixtures that have failed the room temperature leak test and been disassembled, the Orings displayed a compression set ranging from 51-96%. This is greater than seen to date for packages inspected during KAC field surveillance (24% average). For GLT O-rings, separate service life estimates have been made based on the O-ring fixture leak test data and based on compression stress relaxation (CSR) data. These two predictive models show reasonable agreement at higher temperatures (350-400 F). However, at 300 F, the room temperature leak test failures to date experienced longer aging times than predicted by the CSR-based model. This suggests that extrapolations of the CSR model predictions to temperatures below 300 F will provide a conservative prediction of service life relative to the leak rate criterion. Leak test failure data at lower temperatures are needed to verify this apparent trend. Insufficient failure data exist currently to perform a similar comparison for GLT-S O-rings. Aging and periodic leak testing will continue for the remaining fixtures.« less

NINTH INTERIM STATUS REPORT: MODEL 9975 PCV O-RING FIXTURE LONG-TERM LEAK PERFORMANCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daugherty, W.

2014-08-06

A series of experiments to monitor the aging performance of Viton® GLT O-rings used in the Model 9975 package has been ongoing since 2004 at the Savannah River National Laboratory. One approach has been to periodically evaluate the leak performance of O-rings being aged in mock-up 9975 Primary Containment Vessels (PCVs) at elevated temperatures. Other methods such as compression-stress relaxation (CSR) tests and field surveillance are also on-going to evaluate O-ring behavior. Seventy tests using PCV mock-ups were assembled and heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 450 ºF. They were leak-tested initially and have been tested periodically to determinemore » if they continue to meet the leak-tightness criterion defined in ANSI standard N14.5-97. Due to material substitution, fourteen additional tests were initiated in 2008 with GLT-S O-rings heated to temperatures ranging from 200 to 400 ºF. High temperature aging continues for 23 GLT O-ring fixtures at 200 – 270 ºF. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all of the GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 350 ºF and higher temperatures, and in 8 fixtures aging at 300 ºF. The earliest 300 °F GLT O-ring fixture failure was observed at 34 months. The remaining GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 300 ºF have been retired from testing following more than 5 years at temperature without failure. No failures have yet been observed in GLT O-ring fixtures aging at 200 ºF for 72 - 96 months, which bounds O-ring temperatures anticipated during storage in K-Area Complex (KAC). Based on expectations that the 200 ºF fixtures will remain leak-tight for a significant period yet to come, 2 additional fixtures began aging in 2011 at 270 ºF, with hopes that they may reach a failure condition before the 200 ºF fixtures, thus providing additional time to failure data. High temperature aging continues for 6 GLT-S O-ring fixtures at 200 – 300 ºF. Room temperature leak test failures have been experienced in all 8 of the GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 350 and 400 ºF. No failures have yet been observed in GLT-S O-ring fixtures aging at 200 - 300 ºF for 54 - 57 months. No additional O-ring failures have been observed since the last interim report was issued. Aging and periodic leak testing will continue for the remaining PCV fixtures. Additional irradiation of several fixtures is recommended to maintain a balance between thermal and radiation exposures similar to that experienced in storage, and to show the degree of consistency of radiation response between GLT and GLT-S O-rings.« less